The second year of the kite and treats give away by Sunshine After Dark and The Give Back on Wednesday was a raging success, with many youngsters and their families thankful and happy in their receipt of kites to fly on Good Friday.
Government members in attendance offered kudos to the organisers from the two charities, which put on the function at TN Tatem, while the principals were humbled and grateful that they could support the community that raised them.
“I think it’s awesome that these guys, with this being one of the biggest cultural holidays in Bermuda, could come and give back so much to a community in need,” said Owen Darrell, Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport. “I’m hoping that this will be part of our culture to sponsor this and assist in the best way we could, but really the credit needs to go to these young men who have put this together.
“Sometimes when people come up with events it takes a while for things to catch on or come together, but as you can see they’ve come up with a situation that’s definitely in need in the community and my hat goes off to them for doing what they’re doing.”
Makinday Johansson, who along with Anthony Bailey instigated the event last year, was pleased with its progress.
“This is our second year,” explained Johansson. “Last year me and Anthony came together in creating this event and went out on a limb to do this here and we did not expect the tremendous turnout.
“This year, as you look out at what’s going on it speaks for itself. Sunshine after dark and The Give Back to the community, that’s what it’s all about giving back to the community.
“We’re showing love and it’s all about sharing love.
We have a whole heap of sponsors and if it wasn’t for the kite makers as a part of the collective with Sunshine after dark and the give back this would not have been possible, so we have to give a big thanks to the sponsors
Bailey was thankful that members of the community had come out in support of the function, allowing he and Johansson to contribute to the well-being of the area in which they grew up.
“We are appreciative of TNN coming and giving us this coverage,” said Bailey. “We’re thankful for the community coming out and supporting us as two young men who are just trying to do the right thing.
“We’re both here represented God respective community groups and our passionate and enthusiastic about what we do.
“Without the community none of this would be possible they have done their utmost and helped us to make this a success.
“We just want everybody to express some care caution and their love over this holiday.”
Area MP Dennis Lister III added to the feel good nature of the moment, while highlighting how the pair had demonstrated that there are positive things going on with young Black men in Bermuda and not just the negative matters so often publicised.
“I’m just glad to see these young men doing this is good and positive vibes and showing unity in the community,” said Lister. “The keyword being unity in the community.
“It’s things like this we need to do that will bring the community back together.
“There’s a lot of antisocial news that make the headlines and this is good, positive news and I employ these guys and encourage them and any other young man in groups that wanted to come together, because there are so many different communities in Bermuda and if we can get back to what we grew up on which is community events where everyone comes together it’s good for Bermuda.
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