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JAM | Jan 15, 2026

UWJ brings holiday cheer to children in state care 

/ Our Today

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Boy’s Brigade volunteer Private O’Neil Smith assists in distributing popcorn during the intermission of Zootopia 2 at Bringing Cheer to Children in State Care at Christmas, a movie date organised by United Way of Jamaica on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

For the fourth year, United Way of Jamaica hosted wards of the state for some Christmas cheer at the movies.

The 210 wards and their caretakers are from Maxfield Park Children’s Home; Reddies Place of Safety; Annie Dawson Children’s Home; Strathmore Children’s Home; St Andrew Parish Church Home for Girls; The Nest Children’s House (Salvation Army); Mount Zion Children’s Home; Wortley Home for Girls; Homestead Girls Home; and City of Refuge Children’s Home.

United Way of Jamaica Finance, Property & Administration Manager Donna Abrahams (left), Acting CEO Kerry-Lee Lynch (third right), and President of The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited Audrey Tugwell Henry (second right) distribute gifts to caregivers from four of the 10 homes benefiting from United Way of Jamaica’s Bringing Cheer to Children in State Care at Christmas.

“The United Way of Jamaica has a long history of taking its stewardship for Jamaican children very seriously.

“This year, we have sought and welcomed partnerships to bring cheer to children in state care during the festive season, and Scotia Bank Limited was a major partner,” shared United Way of Jamaica Officer in Charge Kerry-Lee Lynch. 

Over 200 wards of the state were hosted to Bringing Cheer to Children in State Care at Christmas, an initiative of the United Way of Jamaica and its sponsors, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. They enjoyed Zootopia 2, popcorn, drinks and gifts.
Over 200 wards of the state were hosted to Bringing Cheer to Children in State Care at Christmas, an initiative of the United Way of Jamaica and its sponsors, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The evening was sponsored by Scotiabank, Scotiabank Foundation, CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, Child Protection and Family Services Agency, and JN Bank.

The evening out of Zootopia 2, popcorn, drinks and gifts was sponsored by Scotia, which generously contributed $1 million; CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, which provided significant support with a $500,000 contribution; Child Protection and Family Services Agency; JN Bank and support from other corporate entities.

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United Way Jamaica

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