For the 26th year, Mario Carey and friends delivered holiday happiness to students at the Centre for the Deaf with a party that included Santa, rides on an eco-glide scooter and gaily wrapped gifts.
 
This year’s event took a special turn when students surprised Carey and members of Better Homes & Gardens MCR Bahamas with their present to them – a song called The Sign of Love, thanking them for all they have done and wishing Cole Carey, who played Santa Claus, a happy birthday – all performed in sign language.
 
“It was really touching,” said Chalecia Rolle, MCR Bahamas staff member. “We were all moved, but the best part was seeing the smiles on all the kids faces and when they saw that eco-glide come in, their faces lit up. They were so excited.”
 
Centre for the Deaf Principal Michaela Smith lavished praise on Carey, calling it “an awesome and tremendous thing that Mr. Carey has been doing for the kids for the last 26 years.”
 
“He makes it a point to get to know each child,” she said. “He remembers their names, speaks to them and checks on them ever year. It’s a blessing and Mr. Carey and his team are wonderful. Our staff look forward to this event every year.”   
 
With one in 10 residents of The Bahamas projected to suffer a disabling hearing loss by the year 2050, Carey said more attention needs to be focused on the hearing challenged.
 
“Many of the lives of these students and others can be improved with as little as a new or better set of hearing aids,” said Carey, who has learned to compensate for his hearing impediment. “We are a wealthy nation, we should not allow a simple solution like hearing aids to stand in the way of the life of someone who wants to be a productive and engaged contributor to society and lead a full, rich life.”