Violence stalls handover of gifts to children of Waltham
A philanthropist is today frustrated as his efforts to hand over $500,000 worth of school supplies to children from Waltham Park during the Christmas holiday have been stalled by violence.
Andre “DJ Fidel” Campbell told the Jamaica Observer that each year in Christmas he hosts a charity giveaway for children of the Waltham Park community in which books, backpacks, school supplies, and food are handed over to needy children to begin the new school term with less hassle.
But, for Christmas 2017, the annual effort came to a halt.
“It is all free. Free school books, school bags and supplies, free jerseys and shorts to all teams, free cellphones, and I just give away hundreds of school bags, hundreds of school books, electronic calculators, thousands of pens, thousands of pencils and money to the children in my old Kingston community,” Campbell said.
He also gave away football gear as part of his Games Over Guns initiative to help put a stop to gun violence in the area.
“I gave them 100 pro soccer uniforms and professional balls so they can play games instead of playing with guns. Last year it was held at the Molynes Football Club Sports Complex, but because of the unsafe environment we couldn’t do it there this past Christmas,” he said.
Campbell is therefore appealing to corporate Jamaica or any agency to assist by providing a safe space near the Kingston 11 community for him to continue hosting his treat.
Campbell further emphasised that he has never kept the event to make a profit, but simply to make life a bit easier for the children of Waltham Park.
“I don’t sell any liquor. I don’t sell tickets or charge admission. I don’t collect a penny for food or anything. Everything is free and I pay everybody to work at the event from my pocket. I don’t want any money from any bad man or any don or area leader, and it has absolutely nothing to do with politics. I don’t get any money from any business or businessman or corporation or any advertisers. All I need is a safe space close to the community that they can come out to the treat,” he said.
