Summer Wrap’d brings joy to children in State care

MORE than 200 children in State care got one final taste of summer fun last Tuesday as KFC and Pizza Hut hosted the second staging of Summer Wrap’d, a special back-to-school treat held at Hope Zoo designed to give the children a memorable day out before they return to the classroom. Children from several residential childcare facilities across the island — including The Nest Salvation Army, Reddies Place of Safety, St Augustine Place of Safety, Windsor Therapeutic Centre, St Monica’s Children’s Home and Jamaica National Children’s Home — their caregivers, and representatives of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) were also present. There was no shortage of excitement throughout the day, with the children given the freedom to move between games, amusement rides, and other forms of entertainment at their own pace.

They took a break from the action to take part in a tour of Hope Zoo, getting an up-close look at the animals and enjoying a train ride around the grounds before heading right back into the fun. That same freedom of choice carried into mealtime, with the children able to select their preferred KFC and Pizza Hut menu items, enjoy treats from the concession stand, and choose their favourite Devon House I Scream flavour. Refreshments were also provided courtesy of Pepsi Jamaica.

Alongside the day’s activities, the wards of the State also received school supplies for the new term. KFC and Pizza Hut poultry partner Best Dressed Chicken also contributed items to the packages presented to them. The Hope Zoo train gives the children another way to take in the grounds during their afternoon of exploration and fun.

The children were also invited to look ahead to the new school year through the My Hope for the New School Year wall, an interactive space where they could write and share a personal hope or goal for the months ahead. With markers in hand they added everything from academic ambitions to personal milestones they hoped to achieve. Kandine West, marketing officer at KFC, said the activity added a meaningful dimension to an occasion created first and foremost for the children to enjoy themselves.

“Back-to-school tends to focus heavily on getting children equipped with what they need for the classroom, but we also wanted them to leave with something they could carry with them beyond the day itself,” West said.