PORT OF SPAIN – The Giving Wave, a youth-driven community organization, has successfully concluded its 2025 operations with a remarkably successful Christmas toy drive campaign that substantially exceeded its initial objectives. The initiative, which partnered with the Just Because Foundation as primary beneficiary, ultimately delivered gifts to more than 200 children throughout Trinidad and Tobago – doubling its original target of 100 beneficiaries.
The organization’s recent media release detailed how this grassroots effort demonstrated the powerful impact of community collaboration. Founded just seven months ago in May 2025 by five university friends – Genesis Manswell, Luke Manzano, Zack Aleong, Sierra Hade, and Moi-Marie Marchand – The Giving Wave represents a new generation of civic engagement. The group’s members, who share educational backgrounds at Fatima College and Holy Name Convent in Port of Spain, developed their commitment to service during their tertiary education years.
Despite operating with limited resources as UWI students balancing academic and work commitments, the organization has maintained consistent community involvement. Their activities have included environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups in collaboration with 868SaveTheEarth, volunteer work at the Immortelle Centre, and the organization of multiple food drives throughout the year.
The group specifically acknowledged On the Verge Ltd. as their largest sponsor and expressed gratitude to all supporters who contributed to the toy drive’s success. The Giving Wave has encouraged continued community participation through their Instagram presence @thegivingwavett, signaling their intention to maintain momentum into 2026 with further charitable projects.