Orphans spend Christmas at Palm Residency |26 December 2014

Christmas is the season to spread good cheer, celebrate the love of God, and spend time with our family and of sharing, caring and giving.

Although not all of us, especially children, can be with our families at Christmas, but at least they have people who care for them and are ready to share with them.

On Christmas Day yesterday Ramu Pillay, owner of business chain Pillay-R Group, once again hosted some 60 children from three orphanages – Nazareth, Solitude and Providence – to a lunch at the Palm Residency hotel. The Palm Residency hotel also forms part of the Pillay-R Group chain.

This is the 11th consecutive year Pillay-R Group has organised the lunch.

Also present at the event was Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Minister Vincent Meriton who told the children that they must be sorely missing their parents at Christmas.

“The only people missing in your lives on this day are your parents,” said Minister Meriton as he asked all parents to be always present in the lives of their children.

“Parents should not abuse their children, but rather love them and help them enjoy their childhood. We have visited all 25 districts this year to talk to parents about love and protecting their children. We hope everyday will be Christmas and I thank Mr Pillay and Pillay R Group for bringing a smile on the faces of the children. May God bless you and your company,” said Minister Meriton.

For his part, Mr Pillay thanked Minister Meriton for gracing the event with his presence and said “it is always an honour for Pillay R Group to organise the lunch for children who are not living with their parents”.

He told the children to grow into responsible citizens despite the absence of their parents.

Mr Pillay’s family also joined him for the lunch and afternoon of fun while Father Christmas gave out gifts.