WESTERN BUREAU — More than 100 children from the communities of Hampden, Dumfries, Wakefield and Bounty Hall, recently enjoyed a special Christmas treat, courtesy of the management of the Hampden Estate and the University of Allied Workers Union (UAWU).

This was the second year that Hampden and the UAWU have collaborated to bring Christmas cheer to the children of its factory workers.

In welcoming the children at the Hampden sports club estate, general manager, Maurice Jackson invited them to share in the fruits of the hard work put in the development of the estate by their parents.

“You could be the future employees of the estate, and I am encouraging you all to work just as hard as your parents, so you will be able to fit in the operations of the estate, when your parents are unable to work,” he informed them.

He noted that despite the financial constraints at the estate, over the last two years Hampden has undertaken a number of community projects in the surrounding area. According to Jackson, there was a new thrust by community members to take a more positive attitude towards the operations of the estate as a result of its outreach programme.

“This treat is sending the message that we are preparing for the future, and we will do whatever is possible with our limited resources to improve the welfare of our employees,” Jackson remarked.

In addition to the mouth-watering goodies, the children enjoyed the bounce-about and a concert put on by a number of young artistes. Each child received a gift from Santa Claus.