MAY PEN, Clarendon — Approximately 80 men who live on the streets of this town, mostly fathers, were treated to pizza and non-alcoholic champagne on Father’s Day. They were grateful they were remembered and appreciated the food even more.

Among them was Patrick Lampard who told the Jamaica Observer he was born and raised in Effortville, Clarendon, and has been on the streets for more 15 years.

“Night and day mi deh pan di street a patch tyres. Mi get six pickney: three girls, three boys. Dem no like fi see me in the streets but mi stay away from trouble. Dem never want mi pan di corner cause dem say mi a live a reckless life but when dem find out say a mi likkle jugglings and dads name naa call pan no wrongs and police naa look fi dads, they pass through now and then and give me a $1,000 to buy a little food an ting,” he said.

Lampard would love to have a tyre and vulcanising machine to boost business so he can afford somewhere to live.

“Mi would like certain help to get the machine weh can patch tyre so mi can look after myself and come off the street so next year this time I can be at home with my children and get mi proper meal. Mi waa come a work and go home,” he said.

Devon Nelson, who also benefitted from the treat, said he was happy for the acknowledgement.

“A five youth mi get enuh, so me as a father a enjoy myself same way and mi happy about it,” he said.

“I would like to get a steady job so that I can maintain myself and my children. A lot of people no have their father with them today so it feels good to be alive although we are on the streets. At least someone still remember us and give us a treat. Today is a good day enuh because nobody no really focus on fathers, a just mothers; so we give thanks fi di treat,” Nelson added.

It was organised by Stephen Liao who is the proprietor for National Self Serve Wholesale in May Pen. He said it was a pleasure to be able to give back to those in need.

“I am happy to help, very happy and I am willing to see how best I can assist the few who still have their faculties intact and are willing to work. I am glad to be of help, to make their wish come through so they can enjoy their pizza once in their lifetime for Father’s Day,” he told the Observer.

The men were also treated to cake, water and juice.