Essequibo businessman, youth group host successful food, toy drive 

The season of giving is upon us, and, despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, Essequibo Coast businessman, Shahab Ali, owner of 786 Imports located in Adventure, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), has managed to bring cheer to some 300 children of Adventure Sand, Red Village/Onderneeming, Lake Mainstay, and Dartmouth.

The toy and food drive was organised by Ali and family in order to give and shower love to children in the region. During the distribution, children were treated with wrapped gifts, food, drinks along with party bags.
Meanwhile, during an interview with Guyana Times, Ali said that this event marked the fifth annual toy and food drive. He added that his family hosted the distribution exercise to give back to the community and also to bring cheer to the less fortunate.

“With the birth of my first child, I desire for her to grow up understanding that once you are in the position to assist the needy and do good for people, you should. I realised that a lot of children especially around the season are seeing other children being able to play with their toys or have bountiful food whereas it’s not the same for them,” Ali said.
Additionally, over 100 children of the small hinterland community of Mashabo, also located in Region Two, received an early visit from Santa on Sunday, when they were treated with food hampers, clothing, and toys.
The visit was organised by the Horizon Youths On The Move along with the captain of Mashabo, the volunteers of which made their way over to Mashabo Mission to bring cheer to less fortunate kids as it is the season of love and giving. Their faces were full of excitement upon seeing Santa Claus and his team who assisted in the distribution exercise.
Speaking with the President of the organisation, Christopher Persaud, he said that the main aim of the distribution was to bring Christmas cheer to over one hundred children of Mashabo.
“We choose Mashabo because it’s our neighbouring village and we wanted to spread the joy at every end an make the village visible for its beauty and amazing people… we were welcomed with happy smile and warm wishes it just away from home,” Persaud said.
Meanwhile, a little girl, Shania Gonzalves, told the newspaper that she is very happy that she received clothing and toys from Santa.
“We are all excited to see Santa and collect presents from him. I get clothes, toys, and mommy received things to cook. This will make our Christmas bright because my parents do not afford to get me, my brothers and sisters nice new clothes for Christmas.  We are all happy and excited to play,” another girl told Guyana Times.
The organisation is a non-governmental organisation that dedicates its time to development activities for youths along the Essequibo Coast and caters for less fortunate children, especially in the hinterland communities. (G14)