Through the generous heart and efforts of one island resident, the island’s first Christmas Soup Kitchen came to life this year. The event was very successful and it showed how residents of Ambergris Caye have a huge heart during one of the busiest times of the year.
Inspiration came to Findley Halliday who took it upon himself to start gearing his friends and acquaintances to assist him in putting together a soup kitchen to feed as many people and families as possible who are in need or are much less fortunate to have a great meal during Christmas Day.
Findley met his goal with flying colors as he was able to not only feed a large group of people, but also distribute toys to children who would otherwise have not received anything for Christmas. It was through Findley’s drive that he was able to get friends and family to collect, donate and prepare food for the event and also have the business community give plenty gifts for the needy children.
With the help of volunteers, who took time from their own family gatherings on Christmas Day, Findley was able to make his Christmas Soup Kitchen a success. He also had special assistance from the island’s newest foundation ‘Raise Me Up’ that will start works as a non-profit organization to eliminate inadequate living conditions by fulfilling basic needs and raising awareness in the community. They, along with a handful of other volunteers, were what helped make the event a successful one.
Box loads of toys and blankets were given away after the hearty lunch and there was enough left over that the volunteers were able to head over to the impoverished San Mateo neighborhood to distribute them to the children there.
Findley Halliday ‘FIN K’ is all smiles with the success of his endeavor
“I believe this was the best Christmas I have ever had,” commented Fin K, as he is known on Facebook. “Giving back to the less fortunate is the best REWARD in life and THANK YOU, thank you soooo much..THANK YOU is the best GIFT I will forever have in my heart. Today I got so emotional, cried and got touched so hard in my heart that I had to move away from the venue when my tears came down, my emotions of happiness and of blessings that only my heart will ever know. I asked a 6-yr-old what you got for Christmas and she said nothing! or when I handed out a gift bag full of goodies, I received the most warmest Hug, Kiss, Blessing and wishes even tears from them that means allot to me! Please remember that there is a community that we all know needs your help; a community that is less fortunate. Thank you Dad and Jeff Spiegel for making believe this could happen and Dad thanks for teaching me how to share CHRISTMAS and staying with me. To all of you that made contributions, cakes, donations, helped, thank you from FIN K and the hundreds of kids, My ROJO Family and my family, GOD BLESS – FIN K”
Findley’s Soup Kitchen is one amongst many end-of-the-year charity programs that took place on Ambergris Caye. Every holiday season local businesses and private endeavors raise funds, hold food, clothes and toy drives in order to spread a little more joy to those who need it the most.
Lots of food was prepared and volunteers like Jeff Spiegel helped distribute it
Wings Department Store donated lots of toys towards the cause
