The Tribune

CHILDREN at the Ranfurly Home traded in the traditional plump and round Santa and received some extra gifts during the Christmas holiday from a tall, slim and beautiful Santa's helper, Jeanene Fox. Fox, who is a Bahamian working steadily as an international model and actress, returned to Nassau from Italy recently to spend time with her family and spread a little holiday cheer. She was in Rome shooting a dramatic comedy by Robert F Kennedy III, starring Alec Baldwin (The Departed, The Aviator) and Giancarlo Giannini (Quantum of Solace, Casino Royale, Man on Fire). The film, AmeriQua will be in theatres this year. The striking model said she worked with Virgin Radio in Italy to raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti and decided that she wanted to do something charitable for her own community as well. "I thought of the Ranfurly Home because I grew up going to Faith Temple," she said. "I used to pass the Ranfurly Home every Sunday and my mom would always tell me that those kids were less fortunate." The children were delighted that a famous Bahamian living far away in Italy remembered them. Ms Fox said giving gifts was not the only reason for her visit; she also wanted the opportunity to motivate and inspire children to dream big. Starting out as a model at the Yodephy Dance and Modeling Academy, Fox is now well on her way toward international fame. She plans to produce some projects with her brother, former basketball player and actor Rick Fox. Ranfurly Home administrator, Alexander Roberts expressed gratitude for the visit and said the home welcomes anyone who has something to offer the children, whether financial or the gift of their time. "The kids here need that human interaction, whether it's helping to tutor them after school or just being a mentor," Mr Roberts said. After her brief visit home, Ms Fox was back to business, flying to the Seychelles for yet another modelling engagement.