By Sue-Ann Wayow
CHRISTMAS 2021 is the second one that will be celebrated in a pandemic.
And the population has been advised to celebrate the Yuletide season in different ways.
The Shri Krishna Dharma Sabha (SKDS) will continue its annual treat to children, but this time with a little twist to help fight the dreaded Covid-19.
For the past three years, the SKDS here in Trinidad and Canada have been putting smiles on the little children faces by giving out treats of snacks and toys.
This year, in addition to snacks and toys, the children will be getting hand sanitisers and other hygienic products in an attempt to promote general cleanliness.
SKDS public relations officer Ingrid Sookdeo told AZPNews.com that SKDS was able to treat over 1,600 children making 2021 their biggest treat year to date.
She said, “What we really want to focus on this year is to give children treats in those areas that people do not always go to. We know that every year, that are children in some areas who may get more than others but we wanted to go to the more rural areas this time to give to those children really in need.
“We really have a nice treat for the children this year. We are giving out foreign candy canes, sanitisers, masks, toothpaste and toothbrush, toys, stationery and there are also local snacks and juices.”
Treats were also given to members of the Venezuelan community.
Through their members, the SKDS has already been able to give out to children in places such as Biche, Barrackpore, deep Siparia, Penal and Woodland and Gasparillo.
Sookdeo said in some areas, some primary schools were identified and the treat distribution was made through the schools.
The treat distribution was headed by Pundit Vijay Persad-Seetahal who has been collecting and sending items from Canada from earlier in the year, she said and the SKDS ladies group have been sorting and packaging and distributing to the relevant areas.
Apart from the Christmas treat, the SKDS has also been on a clothes drive, giving out clothing to those in need.
