For the thirteenth consecutive year, Belize Bank has continued its cherished holiday tradition by hosting an elaborate Christmas celebration for students and staff at Stella Maris Primary School. The annual event, held on December 9, 2025, has become a cornerstone of the bank’s community outreach program, providing festive experiences that many children would otherwise miss during the holiday season.
The celebration transformed the school grounds into a carnival-like atmosphere featuring multiple activity stations. Children enjoyed bouncing houses, popcorn and snow cone treats, basketball games, and a popular 360-degree camera dance area. The festivities included musical chairs competitions followed by a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings served at 11:30 AM, attended by the bank’s CEO who joined the children for lunch.
The highlight of the event remained the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, who distributed personalized gifts to every student. According to Denise Godfrey, Marketing and Branding Manager at Belize Bank, the moment Santa appears creates a magical silence as children eagerly await their presents. Principal Doreth Pascasio Griffith noted that students had prepared Santa wish lists in advance, with requests ranging from toy trucks to stuffed animals, all fulfilled through the bank’s generosity.
This initiative represents one of Belize’s longest-running corporate social responsibility programs, specifically targeting communities where children might not otherwise experience Christmas celebrations or receive holiday gifts. The event’s impact extends beyond material presents, creating lasting memories and reinforcing the spirit of community solidarity during the festive season.