The toys were donated by the non-governmental organization Care 2 Help Charitable Association (CHCA), in New Jersey, USA.

Well over a thousand underprivileged children across the length and breadth of Saint Lucia will have a brighter than expected Christmas, thanks to an ongoing partnership between the Government of Saint Lucia and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

At a brief ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Vigie yesterday, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency James Chang, presented 1,200 toys to Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony.

The toys were donated by the Care 2 Help Charitable Association (CHCA), a non-governmental organization in New Jersey, USA, and will be distributed to Members of Parliament for disbursement to underprivileged children in their respective constituencies.

Ambassador Chang said that since the program began 11 years ago, over 7,000 toys have been presented to the children of Saint Lucia.

"Christmas is a time of giving and sharing, where family and friends come together,” he said. “It is a joyous thing to see children with their gifts at Christmas time, but not all children are equally fortunate. The CHCA, together with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Saint Lucia have taken up the challenge to give to as many children as possible.”

Dr. Anthony expressed gratitude to the Government and People of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as well as the CHCA for their ongoing generosity.

"I want to thank you, Ambassador, for your efforts, I want to again thank CHCA for remembering us and our children at this time of year. It is true that Christmas is a season of goodwill. It is the occasion we remember family and friends, and it is the occasion we engage in a national embrace.

“I think of what happened to Saint Lucia last year on the eve of Christmas, and how many of our children suffered as a direct result of those floods, particularly in Bexon, Vieux Fort, Laborie, Soufriere, Choiseul and Anse La Raye. They were denied a Christmas, they were denied the opportunity to celebrate, because of the events of that trough. I pray to God that we have a peaceful Christmas, and that we do not go through a similar experience.”

Dr. Anthony also reminded the audience of the upcoming Christmas party for children with special needs, now into its fifth consecutive year.