Madden’s stages Christmas treat in MoBay
Published:Thursday | December 26, 2024 | 12:08 AMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
In keeping with the family’s long-standing family tradition, the operators of the Madden’s Funeral Home staged a lavish Christmas treat in Montego Bay last Thursday, spending more than $1 million to fête and provide food items to needy persons in the western city.
“It is a tradition that my grandfather started, and we still do it at Madden’s in Kingston. My father continued the tradition here in Montego Bay, where we were also giving out food every Christmas,” said Isiaa Madden, the managing director at the family-operated Dovecot Cemetery of St James.
“When daddy died, we started doing it, and we will continue to do it. Madden’s in Kingston [hosted] their treat on Monday,” added Madden.
From as early as 8 a.m., a throng of patrons of all ages, many with disabilities, gathered at the funeral home’s Union Street location for the event.
“I am not one to complain or beg, but it has been a rough year for me,” said Iris Pryce, a grateful first-time beneficiary.
“I am extremely grateful for this … . This Christmas looks really dull, but at least the package will do something for me, and I can have something to eat,” she said.
The treat, which was done in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica, saw the beneficiaries gleefully accepting packages of food items, which many said would allow them to enjoy a decent Christmas.
“I must say this is very considerate of the Maddens family. What they are doing is helping us to feel at home this Christmas. It is a joyful moment for me today to be a part of this,” Winston Levy told The Gleaner after collecting his packages. “I want to give them a special thanks for establishing this because it is also very good for persons with disabilities. I hope that they can continue in this manner each year so us Montegonians can feel happy and comfortable.”
Madden, who was clearly pleased to be honouring the family’s long-standing Christmas tradition, said: “It was a day filled with jubilance and gratitude.
“Our message is about paying it forward. Five hundred bags were given out today … . We believe in serving the community. I must give credit to Food For the Poor for also putting items in the bags.”