More than 300 wards of the State feted at annual OPM treat
IN an effort to spread Christmas cheer and continue its community outreach programme, Restaurant Associates Limited (RAL) sponsored the 2024 staging of the annual Christmas treat hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness last weekend.
RAL, which is the Jamaican franchisee of Krispy Kreme, Burger King, Popeyes and Little Caesars, provided meals, treats, games and toys for all of the wards of the State and their caregivers in attendance.
“Christmastime is a time of joy and a myriad of festivities, and at RAL we are happy to be on board as sponsors again supporting an event that reaches out to some of our most vulnerable children who are in State care.
“It means that we help to ensure that like any of our children, they too are enveloped in the festivities of the season. And with the backing from all our brands, we support this event to ensure that they feel truly feted and indulged,” said Burger King’s Assistant Brand Manager Rashai Graham.
The activities for the wards of the State included bull riding, face painting, merry-go-round, slides, and a Ferris wheel. RAL also provided its own games like cornhole, and a football game of ‘doughnut miss’.
The company was one sponsor at the event providing meals for the attendees, with Little Caesars providing pizza, Burger King burgers, donuts from Krispy Kreme, and chicken tenders from Popeyes on offer for lunch for the children.
“I really want to thank them because they did not short-change the children just because they are wards of the State. You saw them with their burger bags and full meals as if they went out and bought it. So you can see that they really considered them, put thought into it and I see a lot of love in the meals, so I like that. It’s a good look,” said Jesmine McIntosh who chaperoned her wards from the Homestead Place of Safety for Girls.
In addition to Homestead, children from Annie Dawson, St Andrew Hostel, City of Refuge, Strathmore Childcare, The Nest, GlenHope, Maxfield Park and Wortley Children’s homes also benefited.
In the meantime, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) expressed its gratitude for the sponsorship from RAL.
“We are delighted that Restaurants Associates Limited — with its brands Popeyes, Burger King, Little Caesars and Krispy Kreme — has partnered with us for the annual Christmas treat,” OPM said.
“This year more than 300 children from 10 children’s homes and care facilities were feted on the grounds of the OPM. The support and corporate social responsibility thrust of our partners in this endeavour has impacted and enriched the lives of our children. We look forward to their continued support in providing continued assistance to our children,” added OPM.
