The SOS Children’s Village in Stony Hill received an unexpected Christmas blessing as the N.C.B. Foundation, through its Grant A Wish programme, fulfilled the fervent prayer of Jason Brown, the facility’s director.

Brown, appearing on CVM at Sunrise, was not aware that the interview would become a turning point for the children under his care. Expressing the challenges faced by the SOS Children’s Village due to budget cuts, Brown shared his desire to bring some Christmas magic to the kids but lamented the lack of resources.

“I wanted to do something nice for the children for Christmas so that they could feel the love and joy of the season, but there just weren’t any funds or resources to do so,” Brown remarked.

However, his prayers were answered swiftly, as N.C.B. Foundation’s Nicole Campbell Robinson, assistant vice-president of group marketing and communications, surprised him with a J$200,000 cheque during the interview.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Brown, a strong advocate for the children at the village, said: “I was just humbled when I realised that CVM and N.C.B. Foundation just wanted to pour into my children, even without us asking.”

The SOS Children’s Village, a private, non-governmental social development organisation, provides a safe haven for children who have experienced various forms of abuse or neglect. Under Brown’s leadership, the village offers shelter and supports the educational and personal development of its young residents.

Armed with the unexpected gift, Brown now plans to invest the funds in spreading Christmas cheer among the children at the village. He said: “I want my kids at the village to feel the love and joy of receiving a gift and being appreciated.”

Commending N.C.B. Foundation for its 11-year-long initiative, Brown added: “I always applaud any organisation that does good and seeks to make a difference in the community. But I have to give special commendations to N.C.B. Foundation with their approach to making Jamaica choose and highlight the people who truly deserve this kind of support.”

N.C.B. Foundation’s annual Grant A Wish programme, themed ‘Let it Shine,’ closed on December 13. The initiative invited nominations and voting from the public for wishes in five categories: Registered Charities, Schools and Technology, Medical Assistance, Persons with Disabilities, and Community Heroes.