GBTI donates 150 gifts to “Wreath of Smile” initiative

Over 150 less fortunate children will now be smiling for Christmas following a donation by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) to the Red Cross Society.

The company, through the Guyana Red Cross Society’s “Wreath of Smile” project, saw members of staff donating handsomely to the initiative.
Marketing and Communications Officer of GBTI, Nadia De Abreu stated that Red Cross has been reaching out to the Bank for the past years with this special project.
“Every Christmas around this time they reach out to us and so we respond likewise. It is actually heart-warming, every year Red Cross sends approximately 150 cards with names of children between one year and 14 years; it is really heart-warming to see the staff of the Bank open up to these less fortunate children voluntarily…” she explained.
She further added that there is no Christmas without children and GBTI is elated to be a part of the Red Cross’ Initiative.
De Abreu further stated that they hope that the selfless contributions by the staff will help those children who are less fortunate and who may not be as privileged as other children at this time.
Nevertheless, she noted that the items given to the children are not violent toys since Red Cross was very specific on the kind of toys the children should receive.
“There are a lot of educational items, toys, of course, Red Cross also makes their recommendations in terms of no guns, no violence… and so we try to adhere to those rules,” she further added.
Samesta Martin-Forde Field Officer of the Guyana Red Cross Society expressed her pleasure in receiving the gifts since they will be able to provide for the less fortunate, especially around this time of the year.
“The gifts would not only bring warmth but it also helps a child to tap into their creative sides. Most of the toys, whether it’s a car or a doll, or a tea set… it is an opportunity for them to tap into their creative side. It is an opportunity for them to enjoy playing, as we grow older, we become adults and mature and we move away from certain things; it’s an opportunity for them to enjoy their childhood,” she said.
Last year, the staff of GBTI also opened their hearts to the children of Hararuni on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway by gifting them over 100 presents which were distributed at a special party in the village.