ORPHANS and wards of the State were on Wednesday briefly reunited with their siblings who are housed at other children’s homes across the island, at the Food For the Poor’s Angels of Hope annual Christmas treat at Kings House in Kingston.

For some, the event is the only occasion they get to spend quality time with their brothers and sisters.

“A lot of siblings are split up, so what happens now is today (Wednesday) they come together to see each other and this doesn’t happen very often,” executive director of Food For the Poor David Mair told the Jamaica Observer. “The governor general has always been very kind to offer his lawns. It’s just a time of enjoyment, relaxation and having the kids come together.”

Irene McDonald, who heads the Clifton Boys’ Home in Darliston, Westmoreland, was elated for two brothers from her home, who were able to spend the day with their two sisters.

“You could just see how happy they were to see each other, they hugged each other and started to cry. Some of my children when they go home for holidays it’s the only time they see each other,” she said. “These two boys will be going home for a week this holiday.”

The four siblings had evident joy on their faces.

The eldest, who is a 15-year-old girl, told the Observer she had not seen her siblings since they were separated a little over a year ago.

“I’m excited because a long time mi nuh see dem. Mi nuh get fi visit dem. Mi and mi sister were at di same home, but we get split up,” she said.

These siblings were just four of about 700 children from 27 homes across the island, who enjoyed themselves at the event. The day’s activities included games, a mechanical bull, bounce-about, face painting and even hair makeovers.

A new addition to the treat, which Food For the Poor has been hosting for 15 years, the hair and barber boutique was a hit.

Owner of Hair Extreme, Andreen Rose-Cephas, was present along with members of the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to work with Food For the Poor. I believe that persons should give back their time. This is why I do voluntary work and I definitely look forward to more of Food For the Poor’s Christmas treats,” she said.

Rose-Cephas also believes that the experience was more beneficial to the older children, who would soon venture out into the working world, as some of them are clueless about hair and make-up. Besides makeovers, she also gave them tips about grooming.

A 10-year-old was very eager to get her hair done.

“Miss I want di lady to comb my hair. Today is very nice. I like di food and di bounce-about. And me hair ago look pretty today,” she said excitedly as she watched a member of the team comb another child’s hair.

In the meantime, McDonald had high praises for the charity organisation.

“I am so proud of them (Food For the Poor). On a three-month basis we get food and it helps a lot. Anything that the Angels of Hope have and they know that we need, they send it for us. We were burnt out earlier this year, Food For the Poor provided beds and items we needed after the fire,” she said.

The head of Clifton Boys’ Home said she and her team hopes to start rebuilding the home in January, with the help of Food For the Poor.

— Falon Folkes