The United Way of Jamaica, in partnership with title sponsor CIBC Caribbean, hosted a magical movie night for 204 wards of the State from 10 different children’s homes. 

The event was held last December at Carib 5 in Cross Roads showcasing ‘Mufasa: The Lion King‘ was a heartwarming initiative supported by several key partners, including the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), Grace Foods, Unicomer (Courts Jamaica), and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

The children, hailing from CPFSA shelters, enjoyed an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated film Mufasa: The Lion King on its debut in theatres. The evening also featured a lively appearance by the Grace mascot and gift bags filled with treats, courtesy of Grace Foods, ensuring the young attendees had an unforgettable experience.

Taneisha Stoney-Dryden, CEO of United Way of Jamaica, expressed gratitude to all partners who made the event possible. She remarked:

“This movie night represents more than just entertainment; it’s a chance to uplift and empower these children, showing them, they are valued and supported by their community. We thank our sponsors and partners for helping us make this vision a reality.”

Nigel Holness, managing director of CIBC Jamaica, highlighted the event’s significance in fostering inspiration and faith.

Reflecting on the movie’s central themes, he stated: “The story of Mufasa teaches us the importance of resilience, leadership, and the power of unity. It also reminds us that with God’s help, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. We are honoured to support this initiative, bringing hope and joy to these children while sharing such meaningful lessons.”

Unicomer (Courts Jamaica) and WLI were instrumental in creating a festive atmosphere with Unicomer contributing additional support including toaster ovens and irons to ensure every child felt celebrated.

The CPFSA’s collaboration ensured the seamless coordination of transportation and supervision for the children.

The event exemplified the spirit of partnership and community, bringing together corporate sponsors, volunteers, and organisations to create a moment of joy and inspiration for Jamaica’s future leaders.