AS the countdown to Christmas continues, the Bucknor Multi-purpose Community Centre in Clarendon was a picture of festivity as telecommunications firm FLOW hosted more than 100 children for a movie treat on Saturday.

The event was organised in partnership with the Bucknor Concerned Citizens Benevolent Society and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Community Safety & Security Branch.

“This Christmas treat is a big help as I can’t afford it. School is right around the corner in January so this treat really takes a lot of the pressure off me. All I need to do is get the children here and FLOW does the rest with the gifts and the visit from Santa,” shared a thankful Doreen Richards, who had three grandchildren present for the treat.

Commenting on the selection of Bucknor for the Christmas treat, Courtney Bell, community programmes manager at the Flow Foundation stated: “This year, we wanted to bring the magic of Christmas to children in communities that have a challenging crime situation. Last month, we were in the Mt Salem zone of special operation and the Community Safety & Security Branch suggested that we host our next treat in the community of Bucknor as it struck the balance between improved safety and a large group of children that would benefit from this activity — so here we are.”

“We are mindful that our community has a stigma but we want Jamaica to know that Bucknor is a vibrant community and not simply about war and violence, as people here are contributing to society in a positive way,” stated Michael Thomas, vice-president of the Bucknor Concerned Citizens Benevolent Society.

The Christmas treat was part of Flow’s Clarendon Invasion held last weekend where representatives from the company visited several communities in the parish. The treat saw children being feted. They received gifts, treats, watched a movie, and also got a special visit from the Flow Santa Claus. The next treat will be held in Spanish Town.