S&G Children’s Treat
HATFIELD, Manchester — The growing queues of young boys at a children’s treat here on Saturday, December 15, was an indication that the four barbers on hand had a long day ahead.
One mother, Shenell Powell, told the Jamaica Observer Central that she was there to ensure that her two sons benefitted from the service.
“I am happy about the free haircut,” she said.
Barber Linton Latty, known as Fresh, said it was not the first time that he was contributing his services to the annual treat at Dunsinane in Hatfield.
He said he was not concerned that he may be losing money at his regular place of business on a busy weekend. Just as the organisers of the Christmas treat could commit to children, he too could make a contribution to the cause, Latty argued.
Latty and his colleagues operate from Creative Barbers at Bankhouse Mall in Mandeville, but were prepared to stay in Hatfield later than others because of the demand for haircuts.
Proprietors of companies S&G Road Surfacing Materials Limited, S&G Limestone Limited, Pavecon Limited, Fence Masters Limited, and International Minerals Processing Equipment Limited — which all have their businesses on the same lot of land at Dunsinane — were responsible for the treat.
In addition to the barbers, there were nail technicians, medical services, entertainment, and refreshments. The children especially enjoyed bouncers, rock climbing, bungee run, face painting, talent shows, snow cones, hot dogs, popcorn, and gift packages from the event’s Santa Claus.
James Godfrey, one of the organisers, said that between 1,000 to 1,200 children from across Manchester are hosted at the treat annually. He described the event as a valuable way to give back.
Godfrey credited sponsors and volunteers for making the treat possible.
Vanessa Williams, manager at investment company Barita, said that her organisation came on board as a sponsor as its founder has a vision of looking out for youth and there is “good synergy”.
Patrick Green of the Manchester Peace Coalition, one of the volunteer organisers at the event, said that his group works within communities and taking part is a way to get to know and build a relationship with residents.
Apart from being elated about the haircut for her boys, Powell — who resides in Greenvale and also has two daughters — lauded the treat as “a good thing”, adding that it provides an atmosphere of enjoyment for the children.
As parents are usually at the event with their children, the organisers made special provision this year for them to benefit from some of the services and treats on offer.
— Alicia Sutherland
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