For the thirteenth consecutive year, Belize Bank has illuminated the holiday season for students and faculty at Stella Maris School through its annual Christmas celebration, solidifying its position as a cornerstone community event. The festive gathering, held on December 9, 2025, has evolved into a profoundly anticipated tradition, providing participants with a complete holiday experience that includes gift distributions from Santa Claus and a traditional turkey dinner with all accompanying fixings.
Denise Godfrey, Marketing and Branding Manager at Belize Bank, emphasized the profound significance of the event for many attendees. “This celebration holds special meaning because for numerous children, this represents their sole Christmas party and the only gift they will receive throughout the holiday season,” Godfrey noted. Having personally participated in the event for a decade, she highlighted the deep connections formed through this ongoing initiative, stating, “The children recognize me by name, and I know many of them individually. Witnessing their growth year after year while maintaining that recognition creates genuinely heartwarming moments.”
This year’s festivities featured an expanded array of activities including an inflatable bouncy house, popcorn and snow cone stations, basketball competitions, and an immersive 360-degree camera to capture dynamic dance performances. The traditional musical chairs game preceded the communal lunch service at 11:30 AM, where the bank’s Chief Executive Officer joined students and staff for the meal.
Principal Doreth Pascasio Griffith observed palpable enthusiasm among participants, noting, “The radiant excitement and pure joy visible across every student’s face truly encapsulated the spirit of the occasion.” The 2025 event successfully accommodated 135 children and 25 staff members, continuing the institution’s broader commitment to philanthropic outreach and community engagement during the holiday period.