Street people treated at Court Street party
Christmas meal and free clothing on Court Street on Saturday.
And while this was more than twice the number of those who last year took advantage of the event, organised by Prison Fellowship, director the Rev.
Glenn Caines said no one left empty handed nor with an empty stomach.
Homeless and street people from all over the Island enjoyed a traditional Bermuda Christmas meal of turkey, farine pie, macaroni and cheese, spanish rice, and peas and carrots -- all provided by Heddington Insurance.
Rev. Caines expressed his gratitude to the insurance company which supplied about a dozen 18-20 pound turkeys, eight farine pies, 12 boxes of macaroni for macaroni and cheese, all other ingredients for the dish and spanish rice, and about 10 gallons of drink.
He said he was also pleased with the abundance of items donated by the public, including overcoats, shoes, drapes, and comforters with pillow slips.
Although much of the clothing and household items were snapped up by those in need, Rev. Caines said there was still a lot left.
The leftovers will be made available again next year when Prison Fellowship launches its Project FIT (Families In Need).
Rev. Caines said it was likely that this would be held in an indoor venue in Hamilton.
But he said Prison Fellowship was also looking at the possibility of staging similar events at both ends of the Island.
He said it was evident from Saturday's turnout that there were people in need throughout the Island.
But he also acknowledged that there were individuals and businesses who were willing to help.
Rev. Caines said Bargain Centre provided covering for the food when a few showers fell, and electricity.
Others in the area supplied ice and water.
"This reflected the mindfulness of the community at large of the need of those less fortunate than themselves,'' Rev. Caines said. "It shows the understanding that we are our brothers' keepers.'' Prison Fellowship will hold its annual Angel Tree celebration at 1 p.m. today at Astwood Hall on Church Street.
The project, which has been running for two years, allows individuals, churches, the business community, and employees in various corporate offices to provide requested gifts for the children of prisoners and ex-inmates.