CVSS celebrates community heroes at Christmas gala

The spirit of Christmas and volunteerism merged for a fantastic evening, courtesy of the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), as the 79-year-old organisation celebrated several community heroes at its Christmas at the NVC Fundraising Gala held at the Courtleigh Auditorium on Sunday, December 15.

The venue was filled with excitement, amplified by the main feature of the gala – a riveting performance of the play Behind the Pulpit. The event, which began with Mona Preparatory School’s Builders Club performing Fab 5’s Christmas classic Welcome Home (For Christmas), was being held following on Volunteer Week, observed December 1-7.

However, the real stars of the evening were the volunteers and public servants who oftentimes went beyond the call of duty and who were invited as special guests.

Officers from the Denham Town, Vineyard Town, and August Town police stations got the chance to relax a little outside of their hectic schedules.

Constable Richard Morgan, who was recently lauded on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Facebook page for his “courage and dedication” to the profession in spite of his numerous health challenges, including battling cancer and having been previously shot and injured, said he was “I am very happy to have this opportunity. This was my first time watching a play. It was great.”

The guests also included 30 volunteers from the August Town community who were recognised and treated for their efforts to help Kareen Kidd find her nine-year-old son, Kyle Richards, after he disappeared in floodwaters during heavy rains in September. The group was provided with free transportation to and from August Town, courtesy of Nationwide Express Tours.

Nigel Stewart, CEO, said: “I followed the story and was more than happy to help.”

Kidd, who attended the event, shared her delight. “All of us had a wonderful time. They kissed me and told me thanks. The community support meant a lot, and they have been great. My co-workers, my supervisor, Mr Alton Bailey, gave me the time off from work to be here tonight. It all meant a lot,” she said.

A number of nurses from the Bustamante Hospital for Children, the Kingston Public Hospital, and the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) were also treated to a free evening out. Sister Sparklin Harris, a nurse at the UHWI, said, “I could not wait to tell everyone how fabulous it was. As a former employee of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, set up by CVSS, I was proud. Christmas at the National Volunteer Centre (NVC) was wonderful. To the staff, the cast, continue to do the wonderful work.”

Professor Errol Morrison, former chair of the CVSS, felt that the event was a wonderful opportunity to reminisce about an organisation that has been the heartbeat of the voluntary sector. He said: “I am elated to see the progress of CVSS. The air was filled with a wonderful energy of goal-oriented people.”

Executive director of CVSS Shelly-Ann Lawson Francis said: “Christmas at the NVC is about highlighting the National Volunteer Centre, which is the hub of volunteerism in Jamaica. The event provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism during the season of giving.” She added, “Tonight is about the wonderful volunteers, our over 100 non-profit members, and signifies that nearly 80 years on, CVSS, the leader of the voluntary sector, continues to promote the important contribution that volunteerism makes to national development. We are delighted with the response from the sponsors and the public. We are indeed grateful that all had a wonderful evening.”

Staff members from CVSS member organisations were also in attendance, and the evening would not have been complete without the contributions of corporate donors including the Courteigh Auditorium; ticketing sponsor CaribTix; and the NCB, Lasco, and GraceKennedy Foundations, which played host and provided refreshments.

The CVSS brings together voluntary social-service organisations for consultation, mutual information sharing, planning, and action. Its primary focus remains capacity building with both its membership and other NGOs.