KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a heartwarming Christmas tradition spanning twelve years, Kiwanis Division 23 East brought seasonal cheer to Victoria Jubilee Maternity Hospital by distributing gift baskets to 61 women who gave birth on December 25th. The initiative, known as the Baby Love Project, represents one of the organization’s most cherished annual community outreach programs.
The hospital’s nursing services director, Matron Elise Fairweather-Blackwood, provided detailed birth statistics for Christmas Day, noting that seven deliveries occurred after midnight. ‘The first baby arrived at 12:11 am—a boy—followed by a girl at 12:14 am, another girl at 4:07 am, and a fourth girl at 5:02 am,’ she reported.
While all mothers on the ward received standard gift packages, the first four infants born on Christmas morning were honored with special baskets. Matron Fairweather-Blackwood explained that two of the top-four mothers could not personally receive their gifts due to medical circumstances—one recovering from cesarean surgery and another requiring continued medical attention.
Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, attended the ceremony and praised the Kiwanis Club for their sustained philanthropic efforts. He reflected on the symbolic importance of newborn children as embodiments of future potential and societal renewal, while acknowledging the simultaneous challenges of parenthood. The Minister emphasized that such community support provides ‘an energetic start to the renewal process’ for families welcoming new members.
Audrey Brown, Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Division 23 East, revealed that the project has continued with renewed dedication despite recent challenges, including the passing of a member named Melissa. Each club within the division was instructed to contribute three baskets, though many exceeded expectations by donating six. Brown particularly highlighted the strong participation of male members, noting their contributions demonstrated ‘that we do have committed fathers’ within the organization.