The Tribune

More than 130 students have been given a helping hand as they go back to school thanks to a partnership between McDonald’s Bahamas and St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk.

This is the 16th year that the annual back-to-school event has been held – with 20 volunteers and Pastor Jude Vilma welcoming students to St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk on Thursday, August 27, as they prepare for the return to the classroom.

The students were given lunch, and received McDonald’s backpacks loaded with books and school supplies, as well as Happy Meal toys and coupons. A total of 200 backpacks were given away packed with books, pens, pencils and rulers.

Jude Vilma, the first Bahamian pastor in the church’s 215-year history, said organizers saw the event as a great chance to help the next generation get off to the right start.

“We love hosting this event,” said Pastor Vilma. “We want to see communities transformed and it’s not about just staying within the four walls, it’s about going out there – we want people to know Christ deeply, to follow Christ faithfully.”

This year’s event included a short service for the first time, with Pastor Vilma saying: “We want this to be an expression of worship – for all that God has done for us, for us now to give back to our community and be as generous as we can.

“This partnership with McDonald’s makes that all possible. From the very beginning, that’s been a staple – they provide the schoolbags, the school supplies – we thank them and we want to keep looking to do more. This is just a small sample of what we can do when we put our efforts together.”

McDonald’s Bahamas president Earla Bethel said the partnership with St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk was important in giving back to the communities they serve. “This is a part of our ongoing commitment to transforming communities and lives,” said Mrs. Bethel.

McDonald’s Bahamas HR Manager Gabrielle Pyfrom said the company believed in the core pillars of service and community, adding: “We pride ourselves on being a staple in our community – you need organisations that are going to advocate for the youth, advocate for their education, whether that’s providing meals or school supplies or what we’re doing today. For us, service is number one and that’s what we’re committed to. We do sell Big Macs and the world’s best sell fries – but we also serve in other ways. The kids are our future, and we believe in investing in them.”

One parent, Rogernique, said the event was a real benefit to children. This was her first time visiting the event, having been invited by Urban Renewal. She said: “It’s a good start for the children – it helps them to give them a bag, and it’s a nice bag, I really like the lunch bag. It’s good these organisations give back, it’s good they lend a hand – because a lot of kids don’t have anything.”

Jessica Hanna was part of a group visiting from Covenant Baptist Church, and said: “We thought it was an important experience. Fellowship is important because it brings great relationships – the children enjoy the fellowship.”

She said of the items given away at the event: “It can help them, especially those who are in need. It takes the burden off the parents to help give the children what they need for school.”

The annual event gives children aged from three to 17 – pre-school to high school – a chance to get the best start to their school year. The event saw 150 Happy Meals given to children, along with 150 Be Our Guest vouchers. A barber was also present to give children a back-to-school haircut.