The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), celebrated its 2nd Annual Christmas Character Parade & Toy Drive on December 15th helping to make the season bright for hundreds of local children.
With Santa Claus, his elves and dozens of children’s characters in tow, the annual motorcade left GBPA headquarters at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, 15th December, 2017, and made its way to the Port Lucaya Marketplace where GBPA officials—including President Ian Rolle, Chief Financial Officer Deann Seymour, Group General Counsel Karla McIntosh and Sr. Manager Business Development and Invest Grand Bahama, Derek Newbold—distributed nearly 600 gifts and 2,000 goodie bags to children in attendance.
Filled to capacity, crowds converged at Count Basie Square for the family event, where children not only received Christmas gifts, but got an opportunity to interact with characters from some of their favorite cartoons and films. The Grand Bahama Brass Band was also on hand to provide entertainment for families and visitors who came out to share in the excitement.
“The Christmas Character Parade & Toy Drive is part of the GBPA’s annual give-back and “BUY Local, SHOP at HOME” initiatives,” shared Derek Newbold. “This means that our team ensured that all gifts and treats distributed were purchased locally, supporting numerous small businesses ” he added.
Although this is only GBPA’s second year hosting the parade and toy drive, according to President Rolle, GBPA has made a tradition of spreading holiday cheer throughout the community.
“For more than ten years, GBPA has organized toy distributions at primary schools to bring gifts to children throughout Grand Bahama. And now, having covered all of the government primary schools, GBPA hopes to reach an even greater number of children with this annual event.” Rolle explained.
Pleased with event turnout, Business Services Manager, LaShawn Dames shared that the crowd’s enjoyment during the motorcade and excitement at the Marketplace surpassed all expectations for the event. “The entire team (executives and staff) are always enthusiastic about this event. Christmas time brings out the “kid” in us all; to see the bright and cheery faces of both parents and children, was extremely fulfilling,” Dames commented.
