I AM listening to my favourite Christmas album while writing this column. I don’t get too excited for the Christmas season but have some precious moments I always find memorable. I attended a few events for the season but the two I had crazy fun at were, the Ramps Logistics Children Party and an event at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre that provide services for people with physical/developmental disabilities.

I was not feeling the season before the Ramps party which they hosted for the children for various orphanages and their staff kids. They invited our young singing sensation Jovinski Thorne to join us. From the time we arrived the Christmas songs that were playing set the mood. As I entered it was hard not to notice the impressive layout with the theme for the season. Children were having a blast with games and food.

They had so many things to choose from the wide variety of treats available. I stopped at the snow cone station first and asked for extra condensed milk on my snow cone! I started walking around eating my cone and absorbing the great energy in the air and chatting with some of the kids and teachers I would have met prior to that day. The various stations that were available were Candy floss, cups cakes, burgers, book corn, hot dogs, Royal Castle and some others. The kids had a bar with water, soda, and many flavours of juices served by cautious attendants. The Ramps staff were serving at most of the stations.

What I particularly liked was the way all the snacks were presented. The kids were so excited to have their face painted and were thrilled to be in the bouncy castle and participate in other fun games. When Santa arrived everyone was excited to receive their gifts and have a pic with Santa. All the children were so engrossed with the happenings that when the calls were made to assemble to go in the buses to take them to respective orphanages, after a while they reluctantly obeyed. I had a joyful smile as I observed their body language when they received their party bag and ice cream and of course, proudly holding their gifts. They were SO happy and in the moment.

Congrats to the management and staff of Ramps Logistics for understanding corporate social responsibility. I briefly chatted with Akeel Gittens from the company who was super busy ensuring things were executed according to plan. “It was truly a delightful event to take part in this event and is indicative of Ramps Logistics’ culture of not just corporate excellence but caring for the development of our communities,” Mrs Gittens said. I have seen parties for underprivileged kids but this went the extra mile. They made sure they kids had options even for one day. Air-conditioned buses transported them to and from the venue.

My favourite aunt and the person responsible for my signature braids, Corin Gibson, is an amputee and utilise the services of the rehab centre. Last year she was crowned queen of their Christmas party and this year she invited me to join them and provide some pieces for them to display. Stetchy One Man band set the pace for this year’s party with his musical selections. Whether they were in wheelchairs, crutches or walkers, they were partying and having a glorious time.

The music was so good I found myself singing along even though I can’t sing. I looked at everyone and thought about our lives. We have no idea what is in store for us and that is why we can’t judge people or assume what they are going through. We still have to find a way to celebrate even if we were dealt a hand we did not anticipate. My aunt had a difficult time but she adjusted well when we thought she was going to die. When she shifted her mindset, she realised even with the amputation she has a purpose in life and is intentional about living a full life.

I enjoyed the fashion show and the confidence displayed by most of the people in the room. I learnt the children’s party earlier in the day was also a hit. A big thank you to the management and staff of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, and may you continue to provide an uplifting environment for those persons who probably need it the most.
Let’s continue to care for someone other than ourselves and family as we are about to enter a new year.

Join me this evening on 96.1 Voice FM for another episode of LIVING WITH INTENTION as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.