GG Invites Jamaicans to Enter ‘Good Deeds’ Competition

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, is inviting Jamaicans to participate in the Christmas ‘Good Deeds’ Competition, as part of efforts to extend the spirit of giving to the less fortunate this Yuletide Season.

The contest encourages Jamaicans to “do something special” for someone in need this Christmas, in three specific categories – children in State care; the indigent in infirmaries; or senior citizens in homes for the aged.

Public Relations Officer at King’s House, Maxine Francis, told JIS News that the competition targets “ordinary Jamaicans who want to do something good for someone at Christmas.”

She noted that during the festive season people often get together for family time, exchanging gifts and spending time together, but unfortunately, some people have no family or loved ones to visit them.

“Some children in State care have no family to go home to at Christmas and nobody to visit them, and so this initiative is to encourage persons to give love to people who are less fortunate, to share the love, to be with somebody, to give of yourself and your time this season,” Ms. Francis said.

The competition, which is in its first year, is open to families, individuals or groups of individuals who are not formally engaged in service or outreach activities, either through church or service clubs.

It will run from December 15 to 29, with winners being announced on January 5, 2015. There is no age limit for entrants, but persons under the age of 18 must have parental approval.

Entries will only be accepted via King’s House social media platforms including Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Governor.General.Jamaica or on Twitter @Kingshouse_GG.

Entrants are being asked to send a written submission of their Christmas ‘Good Deeds’ project no later than December 29, with a detailed project report along with photographs.

Submissions will be judged on overall quality of the project, including impact, creativity and authenticity.

The person or persons with the most outstanding project will win lunch for four at King’s House. Second prize, which includes three prizes (one per County), is lunch for two persons at a restaurant/hotel in Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

Third prize – also three prizes (one per County) – is tickets for two persons to a play in Kingston or the Pantomime. There will also be several consolation prizes of gift baskets.

For further details, persons are being asked to visit the King’s House website at: http://www.kingshouse.gov.jm/.