Rapidfire spreads Xmas joy at SFGH

YVONNE WEBB

No one likes being hospitalised, especially children and especially at Christmas time. For the past five years attorney Kevin Ratiram, through his Rapidfire Kidz Foundation, has made the stay of some of these sick children more palatable by bringing glad tidings and Christmas cheer to them in their hospital beds.

Last Saturday Ratiram, the foundation president and official Santa Claus, was joined by San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello and Presbyterian minister the Rev Joy Abdul-Mohan, as they continued the tradition of spread the Christmas joy to 53 sick children warded at the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH).

They were assisted by some 12 members of the foundation, including vice president and former Independent Senator Abdul-Mohan, who were all transformed into Santa’s helpers.

Smiles and screams of delight were seen and heard from the patients in three children’s wards as they were presented with gift-wrapped stuffed toys, rattles, children’s make-up sets, board-games, footballs, and even some toy guns.

Regrello said he was delighted to be part of this tradition and called on those who can help to give in order to make a difference in the lives of others.

“We of the city of San Fernando will do all that we can to ensure that our citizens, in particular our children, have a wonderful Christmas season.

“We know that our country is in a difficult economic position. However, it is our hope that those who can will lend assistance to our brothers and sisters in need, however small it may be. Collectively, we can make a positive difference,” said Regrello, who pledged always to make time for events like these. Ratiram said in 2018 the foundation will expand its outreach programmes, partnering with experts in the field of child behaviour with a view to developing a programme to counsel and assist troubled children.