IT’S that time of year again known as Christmas and whether you are believer or unbeliever this season is acknowledged as the season of giving.

As the season draws closer, TEENage would like to commend some young (and other not-so-young) Jamaicans who have championed the causes of the less fortunate.

Some of the role models are:

• Usain Bolt: Last Saturday,(December 6) the world record holder of both the 100m and 200m hosted his 9.58 Super Party. This event, both a party and a concert, featured a range of international, as well as top Jamaican artistes at the Richmond Estate in St Ann. Bolt plans to donate the proceedings to various foundations through the United Way Charity.

• Shaggy: Popular international recording artiste Orville Burrell (aka Shaggy) has used his talent to raise funds in aid of the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Earlier this year (January 3, 2009) on the lawns of Jamaica House in Kingston, he hosted the first annual Shaggy and Friends ‘I Dare You’ concert. From that concert he was only able to attain approximately 25 per cent of the desired figure. But, next year Shaggy and a new set of ‘Friends’ will host the Thank You for Daring to Care, on the lawns of Jamaican House with the aim of meeting his goal of US$2,000,000.

• Raine Seville: Dancehall newcomer Raine Seville and her friend Sophronia McKenzie recently launched the One Touch Charity. The charity is intended specifically to touch the lives of children who are less fortunate. On December 19, the charity is expected to host two events, ‘Just a Touch’ drive at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home and Santa’s Wish List at the Church of God’s Girls Home.

• Asafa Powell; Seeing the need for the development of track and field in Jamaica, Asafa Powell, former 100m world record holder, launched the Asafa Powell Foundation. He plans to accumulate funds for the foundation via a concert, ‘A Night on Tracks’, which is scheduled to be held on December 20.

• Yendi Phillipps: The beautiful Yendi Phillipps, Miss Jamaica World 2007, held a Celebrity Charity Fashion Show, on October 21, 2008 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Proceeds from the show were donated to the Jamaica Red Cross Society, in aid of those who were affected by Hurricane Dean.

Throughout the year, TEENage has highlighted scenes of the club participating in and sponsoring multiple charitable events.

TEENage supports these examples of goodwill 100 per cent and encourages other young Jamaicans to come out and support them as well. Instead of thinking about what you can get from your parents for yourself, why not give something this year?