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Hundreds are lovin’ it as St. Andrews Kirk and McDonald's Partner to Send Youngsters Back to School with Backpacks, Supplies, Words of Encouragement

Mon, Sep 4th 2023, 11:45 AM
Community/Charity Food/Cooking

In a hall where Bible lessons are taught on a regular Sunday morning, hundreds of children from Bain and Grants Town recently gathered for a different kind of learning, a life lesson in the kindness of strangers. That kindness was sending them off to a new school year with backpacks filled with supplies, smart haircuts, words of encouragement, and memories of a feast from the home of the Big Mac.

It was the annual rite of passage of summer and into school uniforms for the neighbourhood and while St. Andrews Presbyterian Kirk and McDonald’s have partnered in the community program for the past 13 years, this year’s event was the largest to date with Bain & Grants Town Group, Urban Renewal and, for the first time, barbers from Royal Spa and Barber Studio participating.

It also served as the inaugural event launching DanBrad Cares, the giving arm of the parent company of McDonald’s in Nassau.

“Our back-to-school initiative is more than just an event,” explained DanBrad President Earla Bethel. “It represents the countless hours that our dedicated volunteers have invested in making a tangible difference and a memorable experience. The smiles on children’s faces as they receive backpacks with school supplies, a hot meal, Happy Meal toy and gifts cards are priceless rewards.”

The back-to-school program serves as the kick-off event for DanBrad’s commitment to volunteer month in September, activities they say will “underline the transformative power of collective action.”

Beyond the backpacks, rulers, pencils, beyond the burgers and fries and warm apple pies, beyond the books there were the looks – the looks like those from Raheem Ingraham who was cutting a young boy’s hair as he explained, “Helping out the kids is a good thing. It’s all about them and making sure their future is bright and they look good while they are doing it, too.”

It was about the smile on Rolandeka’s face who has been a member of the community and friend of the church for five years. “You could always count on St. Andrews and McDonald’s coming together and helping us out with getting school supplies.”

It was the look on the face of Ronicka who has attended the event for the last 10 years and now at 17 said, “I really look forward to it because I need the supplies for school, but I also come to see friends and come to church.”

For long-time church member and a deacon for the last three years Beth Collins, it’s the outreach into the community that drew her to St. Andrews Kirk.

“There is a great outreach here,” she said. “This church is well-known for that. They’ll go out into the community.”

That outreach can be measured year-round. On Sundays following services, church volunteers distribute up to five pounds of meat, rice and other groceries to families in Bain and Grants Town. They provide clothing as needed and a place for after-school programs and computer use.

“Everyone,” says Mrs. Bethel as she announces DanBrad Cares, “Everyone deserves a chance to thrive and succeed.”

In a hall where Bible lessons are taught on a regular Sunday morning, hundreds of children from Bain and Grants Town recently gathered for a different kind of learning, a life lesson in the kindness of strangers. That kindness was sending them off to a new school year with backpacks filled with supplies, smart haircuts, words of encouragement, and memories of a feast from the home of the Big Mac.
It was the annual rite of passage of summer and into school uniforms for the neighbourhood and while St. Andrews Presbyterian Kirk and McDonald’s have partnered in the community program for the past 13 years, this year’s event was the largest to date with Bain & Grants Town Group, Urban Renewal and, for the first time, barbers from Royal Spa and Barber Studio participating.
It also served as the inaugural event launching DanBrad Cares, the giving arm of the parent company of McDonald’s in Nassau.
“Our back-to-school initiative is more than just an event,” explained DanBrad President Earla Bethel. “It represents the countless hours that our dedicated volunteers have invested in making a tangible difference and a memorable experience. The smiles on children’s faces as they receive backpacks with school supplies, a hot meal, Happy Meal toy and gifts cards are priceless rewards.”
The back-to-school program serves as the kick-off event for DanBrad’s commitment to volunteer month in September, activities they say will “underline the transformative power of collective action.”
Beyond the backpacks, rulers, pencils, beyond the burgers and fries and warm apple pies, beyond the books there were the looks – the looks like those from Raheem Ingraham who was cutting a young boy’s hair as he explained, “Helping out the kids is a good thing. It’s all about them and making sure their future is bright and they look good while they are doing it, too.”
It was about the smile on Rolandeka’s face who has been a member of the community and friend of the church for five years. “You could always count on St. Andrews and McDonald’s coming together and helping us out with getting school supplies.”
It was the look on the face of Ronicka who has attended the event for the last 10 years and now at 17 said, “I really look forward to it because I need the supplies for school, but I also come to see friends and come to church.”
For long-time church member and a deacon for the last three years Beth Collins, it’s the outreach into the community that drew her to St. Andrews Kirk.
“There is a great outreach here,” she said. “This church is well-known for that. They’ll go out into the community.”
That outreach can be measured year-round. On Sundays following services, church volunteers distribute up to five pounds of meat, rice and other groceries to families in Bain and Grants Town. They provide clothing as needed and a place for after-school programs and computer use.
“Everyone,” says Mrs. Bethel as she announces DanBrad Cares, “Everyone deserves a chance to thrive and succeed.”

 

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