IN an effort to bring early Easter cheer to residents of Marie Atkins Night Shelter in downtown Kingston, National Baking Company Limited, through its HTB brand, on Monday hosted a treat for them.

The Easter treat included a variety of the company’s signature baked goods, alongside nutritious meals, and refreshments, all served with care and compassion.

Present were Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby, representatives of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), representatives of National and its HTB brand spearheaded by Kimberly Campbell, marketing manager Continental Baking Company Limited.

Campbell said the company was happy that it could bring early Easter joy to the residents of the shelter, and the other elderly people who attended the treat.

“As we approach the Easter season we are reminded that it’s a time of reflection and togetherness, and we are honoured to share this season with the residents of Marie Atkins Night Shelter. We believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back, and we are happy to bring smiles and comfort to those who need it most,” Campbell said.

The event was met with gratitude and joy by the shelter’s residents, many of whom rely on the kindness of organisations like National Baking Company.

Volunteers from the company were on hand to assist in serving meals, engaging with residents, and spreading messages of encouragement and hope.

For his part, Swaby thanked the company for its donation.

“Every Christmas we normally have something like this, but here we have National doing it for Easter. They had a discussion to see how they could partner to make our lives much easier at the Marie Atkins Night Shelter. In addition to partnering, they are helping the homeless population in a good way in the city,” Swaby said.

He also said that in April his team aims to bring people in downtown Kingston who are seeking food on the road, to the shelter for meals.

“We’re not going to be feeding them on the road. We want to avoid that. We want to make sure when they come here, they can have a bath, and they can have a change of clothes,” added Swaby.

Following the comments from the mayor, the company surprised the operators of the shelter with three industrial fans, which are needed to help the residents remain cool as the hot summer season looms.