The  Hyacinth Family Foundation in collaboration with the Salvation Army brought pre-Christmas cheer to the residents of Comfort Bay and needy families from communities in the south of the island on Saturday.

The event started with a church service and was followed by a rendition of traditional Christmas carols by members of the Hyacinth family.

Director of the foundation Francis Hyacinth led the proceedings and welcomed all present to the second presentation by the joint entities.

Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Salvation Army Malcolm Burns greeted the gathering and thanked the Hyacinth family for the joint venture. He noted that the collaboration began back in the 1940s and 50s, when the Hyacinth family, who lived across from the Salvation Army on High Street, presented the church with cakes and bread from their small family-run bakery.

Burns also thanked the business sector and the general public for their continuous contributions to and support of the Salvation Army, which made the gesture possible.

The foundation provided the ingredients to prepare meals for 100 persons, while the Salvation Army donated a total of 46 hampers to various residents from communities in the south — Grace, Laborie and Vieux Fort — as well as 100-pound bags of flour and sugar to the administrator of the Comfort Bay Home.

Majors Prescillia and Jonathan Kellman from the Salvation Army were on hand to present the items. The couple will also be presenting to needy families in the Dennery Village, together with members of the foundation later this week.