The Lend A Hand charitable organization and Bahems, a fast-evolving footwear line joined forces for the holidays to ensure a group of youths from the Grants Town community have a very merry Christmas.
Thirty tweens and teens from the inner-city neighborhood were treated to a party at the Neville and Nora Dorsett Community Center on Lewis street. The December 21, event featured a junkanoo rush-out, face painting, free food and drinks, and gifts to place under the Christmas tree.
Incorporated in 2014, Lend A Hand Bahamas, its board members and volunteers work tirelessly to provide the community’s inner-city youths with more exposure and opportunities they would not normally be afforded.
The non-profit organization (NP0) is the brainchild of three individuals who shared the vision of a creating a vibrant community centre in Grants Town. In 2013, Edmund Dorsett, Valentino Brown and Lucas Metropulos embarked on a mission to fundraise and plan for just such a facility. Collectively, they decided to establish an independent NPO to manage and operate the center.
Subsequently, Lend A Hand Bahamas was created to bring together individuals from different walks of life who share the common goal of bringing positive opportunities and activities to economically disadvantaged children. The inaugural holiday event was a culmination of a year of activities.
Faces lit up with excitement when Bahems Founder Nathan Arnett and the organization’s volunteers came carrying large gold and white shopping bags at the pre-Christmas party.
Children rummaged through the bags holding up brand new pairs of shoes. There was a pair for each child in the community program.
“I partnered with the Lend A Hand organization because their vision, mission, and goals are truly geared toward bettering and developing these kids to have opportunities that they would not normally have in the Grants Town community,” said Mr Arnett. “I just wanted to bring a smile and spread some holiday cheer to these kids and that’s exactly what we did.”
The shoe designer spent two years perfecting his Bahamas designed, people inspired, Espadrille-style footwear created for everyday wear and comfort. The canvas shoes launched exactly one year ago feature a pig leather insole with memory foam for those who prize comfort and style in their footwear.
Last Christmas the brand unveiled to the local market five designs – the Unity One, Inspire, Hibiscus, Briland Pink Sands and Royal Camo. Another five designs were launched in November. The new styles are the George and Winnie Flamingo Espadrille, Isla Sneaker Espadrille in tan and black, Isla Espadrille in black and the Nautical Espadrille.
The brand carries sizes six to eleven for women and for men, sizes seven to 13. Although presently manufactured abroad, Mr Arnett is working to have the durable, waterproof footwear made locally.
Bahems are available online and at local retail outlets including Bonneville Bones in the Mall at Marathon and downtown, Divas Ink on West Bay Street and The Treehouse for Men on Mackey Street.
Bahems Founder Nathan Arnett donated 30 pairs of shoes to Grants Town youths attending the Lend A Hand Christmas Party on Friday, December 21.
Christmas came early for youths attending a Christmas party at Neville and Nora Dorsett Community Center on Lewis street on Friday, December 21.
From left to right, Bahems newest designs the Isla Espadrille in black, George and Winnie Flamingo Espadrille, Isla Sneaker Espadrille in tan, Isla Sneaker Espadrille in black and the Nautical Espadrille.
