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Tree of Hands spreads Christmas cheer to scores of children on Tortola

- Sister islands to also feel the joy
Children receiving their gifts from the big man himself, Santa, at The Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
The Tree of Hands Foundation brought much Christmas cheer to children at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
The Tree of Hands Foundation brought much Christmas cheer to children at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Making it known to Santa loud and clear what she wants for Christmas. Photo: Digicel
Making it known to Santa loud and clear what she wants for Christmas. Photo: Digicel
Dancers add to the entertainment at the The Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Dancers add to the entertainment at the The Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Dancers add to the entertainment at the The Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Dancers add to the entertainment at the The Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Alexandra V. Durante, right, with her parents Carol Durante, centre, (one of the founders of Tree of Hands) and Lutia Durante at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Alexandra V. Durante, right, with her parents Carol Durante, centre, (one of the founders of Tree of Hands) and Lutia Durante at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
The Tree of Hands Foundation brought much Christmas cheer to children at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
The Tree of Hands Foundation brought much Christmas cheer to children at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Scores of children turned up for the Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Scores of children turned up for the Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Children grabbing a bite at the Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Children grabbing a bite at the Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Face painting at the Tree of Hands Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Face painting at the Tree of Hands Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
The Tree of Hands Foundation brought much Christmas cheer to children at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
The Tree of Hands Foundation brought much Christmas cheer to children at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
The Tree of Hands Foundation brought much Christmas cheer to children at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
The Tree of Hands Foundation brought much Christmas cheer to children at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Enjoying some 'Limbo' at the Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Enjoying some 'Limbo' at the Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Lots of food and drinks were also available at the Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
Lots of food and drinks were also available at the Tree of Hands Foundation's Christmas event at Tortola Pier Park on December 16, 2017. Photo: Digicel
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - It was a day not only for children but one that saw families, businesses, entertainers and a bunch of volunteers converging at Tortola Pier Park (TPP) on Wickham's Cay I on Saturday December 16, 2017 testifying that Christmas is alive in the British Territory of the Virgin Islands.

And today hundreds of children have woken up hugging a new toy, thanks to the Tree of Hands Foundation. Founded some 25 years ago, the foundation annually raises funds and, in some instances, collects gifts to do their part of "spreading the Christmas cheer" across the territory.

Alexandra V. Durante, who has been at the top of the foundation for some time now after the baton was passed on by her mom, Carol Durante, said "We had an overwhelming support this year despite what the BVI experienced at the hands of the storms and hurricanes and we are thankful to everyone who in one way or the other who donated to make this year's toy sharing so amazing."

According to Ms Durante, Tree of Hands wants to ensure that every child in the territory gets a gift this Christmas. "So we are not done after this amazing turnout here today (yesterday) but we are going to make the kids at Virgin Gorda happy, we are going to make the kids at Jost van Dyke happy and we are going to make the kids at Anegada happy."

In excess of one thousand (1000) gifts are being distributed this year by the foundation.

Members and other volunteers did a number of fundraisers, including moving across Tortola singing carols as they bar-hopped.

6 Responses to “Tree of Hands spreads Christmas cheer to scores of children on Tortola”

  • ... (17/12/2017, 10:18) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    good stuff
  • one eye (17/12/2017, 14:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    good to see a black senta clause
  • Gumption.Official (17/12/2017, 15:54) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    @one eye ( Why you just couldn’t have put - it’s good to see they got a Santa to give the children some gifts to make them feel good after Irma. (why a color and to be added) Would it have been even out if it was a filipino Sanya?
  • Where all the bloggers? (17/12/2017, 18:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great story, great cause and where are all you miserable bloggers that talk crap about everything else?? You can’t comment with a well done or be happy that some BVI Islanders are doing good for the community??
  • Reader (17/12/2017, 23:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great initiative. Kudos to all the contributors. Wishing you all Season's Greetings and cont'd. blessings!
  • Mark Hooper (18/12/2017, 06:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Looks like the kids had a lot of fun, well done to all who gave their time and went out to help.


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