Hundreds of families across Grand Bahama will enjoy a brighter and more hopeful Christmas this year thanks to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), which presented 350 turkey vouchers to more than 20 local charities, churches, and community organizations during its annual Christmas Turkey Donation ceremony held today at the GBPA headquarters. This year’s distribution reflects an increase over last year’s initiative, allowing the GBPA and its partners to reach even more families across the island.
The initiative, now in its second decade, continues to be one of GBPA’s most meaningful seasonal traditions of bringing partners together to ensure that families in need can gather around a warm holiday meal.
Sarah St. George, Co-Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, shared heartfelt remarks as she welcomed organizations she described as “Grand Bahama’s Gatekeepers of Goodwill – our true standard-bearers of Christmas.”
“Every child, every home, everyone deserves to feel the joy of Christmas,” said Ms. St. George. “With rising food prices and the pressures facing families, being able to sit down to a shared meal is more important than ever. Your dedication and kindness mean the world to us, and you are the ones who ensure that the most vulnerable among us are not forgotten.”
Ms. St. George reflected on the symbolism of Christmas as a season rooted in hope, compassion, and the birth of Christ, noting that the simple act of sharing a turkey remains a powerful tradition that brings communities together. She also called on attendees to keep Jamaica and several Bahamian islands in their thoughts and prayers as they recover from recent hurricane devastation.
GBPA President Ian Rolle delivered a message grounded in faith and unity, reminding attendees that the ultimate gift of the Christmas season is Jesus Christ, whose birth reflects God’s love for humanity.
“Christmas reminds us that God loved us so much that He gave us the greatest gift, His son,” Mr. Rolle shared. “That love is our example. It calls us to work together, support one another, and extend kindness to our brothers and sisters. When we give, when we help, and when we love, we honor the true spirit of this season.”
Speaking on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas and Urban Renewal, Senator Kirkland Russell expressed gratitude for the community organizations present and commended their service.
Senator Russell praised the consistent dedication of the charities, churches, and civic groups represented, noting that their work touches the lives of families in every corner of Grand Bahama. He encouraged them to continue reaching as many people as possible during the holiday season and thanked the GBPA for its continued partnership and generosity, emphasizing how impactful the turkey initiative is for households facing hardship.
This year’s turkey vouchers were distributed to the following partner organizations, each selected for their deep reach across communities from East to West Grand Bahama: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Burrows’ Home for the Aged; the Cancer Association of Grand Bahama; the City of Freeport Council; the Council for the Disabled; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; the East Grand Bahama representatives; the Evangeline Jervis Distribution Centre; the Grand Bahama Children’s Home; the HASB Foundation; Heavenly View Ministries; Kiwanis Club of Freeport; Mervie’s Home Away from Home; Pilot Club of Lucaya; Reach Out Ministries; the Red Cross Association; Rotary Club of Freeport Sunrise; Rotary Club of Grand Bahama; Salvation Army; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; and Sunset Pilot Club of Grand Bahama, along with Urban Renewal & West Grand Bahama.
Representatives from multiple organizations expressed appreciation for GBPA’s continued support, noting that the distribution allows them to reach households that rely heavily on community assistance during the holidays.
The GBPA extended warm wishes to all residents of Grand Bahama for a Christmas season filled with peace, love, and joy.
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