‘Can’t put a value to that’

TANK-WELD METALS and the Waterhouse football team spent the better part of last Wednesday bringing smiles to residents in the community, as part of the steel giant’s annual end-of-year outreach programme.

More than 20,000 people were impacted by the gesture, according to Bruce Bicknell, the company’s managing director.

“When we go into the communities to share the happiness of the season, the smiles and the loves that we feel are just incredible. It is not just about the gifts, it’s about being there and letting them know that we are all together and that nothing is neglected. I keep saying that it is our favourite day of the year when we go back into the community to share our appreciation and bond with the people,” Bicknell told The Gleaner.

The beneficiaries included the very old and the very young, and they all received a variety of items, including wheelchairs, footballs and school bags.

“We gave away 2,000 soccer balls and 20 kids can play with one soccer ball. Our trucks with the supplies were emptied pretty quickly. It was just an awesome experience,” said Bicknell.

The giveaways started at Tank-Weld’s Homework and Computer Centre on Balcombe Drive, through to Drewsland before culminating on Penwood Drive, all areas within the Waterhouse community.

“Everybody was smiling and happy. You really can’t put a value to that,” remarked Bicknell.

Over the past decade, the steel company has pumped millions into the football programme at Waterhouse and has since sanctioned a massive renovation of the mini-stadium in Drewsland.

Bicknell shared that Tank-Weld remains committed to the economic development of Waterhouse, as well as its social and sporting growth.

“We give away 400-500 wheelchairs every year, we build schools, we have a prosperous relationship with tradesmen in the community and, of course, our commitment to the football programme has not changed.”

“A lot of the football players themselves got involved with the drive, and I am really proud of them for giving back and for being there for their club and community. To see them that involved really touched me, along with my two sons Jacob and Blaise,” said Bicknell, who also shared that he has high expectations for the team.

Waterhouse are fifth in the Jamaica Premier League standings on 15 points from 10 matches.

Although not satisfied, top striker Javane Bryan says the team is doing everything within its powers to climb up the table.

He shared that he, too, was inspired by Wednesday’s activities.

“Just the love alone from the people made it worthwhile. You can see that Waterhouse people are passionate in everything that they do, and I am happy that I was able to spread some love throughout the community. It’s just for us to now use this as a motivation going forward,” Bryan said.