BELIZE CITY – In a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility, Puma Energy Belize has continued its thirteen-year community tradition by distributing specially curated Christmas grocery hampers to sixty families in need. The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Yabra Community Policing Unit on Thursday, represents a longstanding commitment to supporting local families during the holiday season.
The program originally began as a children’s Christmas party but underwent significant transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Retail Manager Brenda Pascassio-Gillett, the company adapted its approach to meet changing community needs while maintaining the spirit of holiday giving. ‘Thirteen years ago we initiated with a children’s Christmas party,’ Pascassio-Gillett explained. ‘The pandemic necessitated innovation, leading us to transition to comprehensive grocery distribution.’
Each carefully assembled hamper contains all essential components for a complete festive meal, including a quality poultry gift certificate redeemable for either ham or turkey. The packages are designed to provide families with everything required for traditional Christmas celebrations, addressing food insecurity during what should be a joyful season.
Pascassio-Gillett emphasized the importance of community solidarity, noting that not all Belizean families can afford traditional holiday meals. She encouraged those with means to ‘extend yourself’ and contribute to spreading Christmas cheer, highlighting how small individual contributions can collectively ensure everyone experiences the holiday spirit.
The ongoing partnership between Puma Energy Belize and the Yabra Community Policing Unit demonstrates how corporate-community collaborations can effectively address local needs while fostering genuine social connection beyond mere transactional charity.