Families get early Xmas gifts

ABOUT 71 families living at the small West Papuan refugee camp at Rainbow, Gerehu, received food hampers from the Sisters of Charity of St Anne (SCSA) congregation yesterday morning.
In attendance were staff of Caritas PNG, the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG and Solomon Islands and more than 60 people.
Children were treated to a visit from Santa Claus as congregation assistant Stephanie Keikei dressed up in the jolly red and white suit and presented candies to them.
Delivering the opening remarks was Olivianna Fonataba followed by a word of prayer from Fr Bas Fairio that formally open the programme.
St Anne’s Elementary School principal Sr Mary Joseph SCSA reminded families the reason behind Christmas celebrations and said it was a time for rejoicing and of hope.
“This is a time of happiness because as we are called to remember Jesus’ birth in the manger and in doing so we are required to share and spread this same happiness with others who are less fortunate,” she said.
In her reflection of the meaning of Christmas, Sr Joseph acknowledged the current low standard of living experienced by all members of the camp, especially the children and called on the Government and responsible authorities to address their problems.