THE children who reside at the Dare to Care and Martha’s House sections of the Mustard Seed Children’s Home in Spanish Town, St Catherine, were given an early Christmas treat, thanks to the efforts of the Friends Who Care Outreach Group in collaboration with CB Foods.

Last Sunday, more than 30 children enjoyed a festive day filled with joy, laughter, and wholesome food. A bounce-a-bout provided endless entertainment, adding to the cheerful atmosphere of the Christmas celebration.

This treat marked the 12th year of the initiative by Friends Who Care — a dedicated team of 10 current and former employees from the CB Group.

Tapping into the CB Group’s purpose to make a difference, they have committed their time to giving back to children who are in need of essential items and quality time to learn and grow from positive role models who are making a difference in society.

“Our first outreach was in Easter 2011 at Matthew 25:40, Mustard Seed [home] in Kingston, for boys only. After seeing the joyful reactions and smiles on the children’s faces, we decided to make this an annual event,” shared Roxanne Isaacs, outreach coordinator at CB Group and a founding member of Friends Who Care.

“Now, we visit every quarter to celebrate their birthdays and periodically drop by throughout the year to check on the children’s well-being. It’s not just about the donations or the activities we organise, it’s about the time we spend with them,” Isaacs said.

She reflected on the significance of the initiative, adding: “Just driving through the gates of the home gives me a warm feeling. The small part we play brings us joy and makes a significant impact on the children and their caregivers. This experience is truly fulfilling for us. We aim to do all that we can to support them.”

Georgia Graham Gayle, a caregiver at the Mustard Seed Children’s Home, expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support.

“Many of these children have faced unimaginable hardships, with some being abandoned by their families and others left as orphans. Friends Who Care has been an incredible blessing to us, stepping in with unwavering support during some of our most challenging times. Their work is transformative, not just in meeting immediate needs but in inspiring hope and making a meaningful difference in the children’s lives,” she said.

CB Foods partnered with Friends Who Care by supplying chicken for the treat and also donated ham to ensure the children enjoy a special Christmas dinner.

“At CB Group, we strive to make a difference, and we are inspired to see our team embody this value independently, through their outreach initiatives like Friends Who Care. We proudly support their efforts through our brands CB Chicken and Caribbean Passion. This initiative reflects the very heart of who we are, nourishing not only bodies but pouring into the children who have big dreams and are full of passion,” said Samantha Fisher, assistant brand manager, CB Foods.

Other companies also contributed to the Christmas treat, including Zep Products, Massy Gas Pro, T Geddes Grant, and Esty-Davis Caterers, whose collective efforts ensured the children had a memorable day filled with love and kindness.

Friends Who Care! On hand to bring early Christmas cheer to more than 30 children last Sunday, CB Foods Assistant Brand Manager Samantha Fisher (fourth left) and members of the Friends Who Care Outreach Group (from left) Nadine Hayden, Jhanel Spence, Danielle Isang, Victor Barracks, Angella Brooks, Althea Bignott, and Roxanne Isaacs share a photo op.