The eight-time Olympic gold-medallist transformed the community into a festive paradise filled with joy rides, music and gifts.
“Just a kid from the country!!!” said Bolt, who hails from Sherwood Content in the parish, on his Instagram page.
“Always a joy to give back to my community. No matter what, I will never forget where I’m from,” he added.
Bolt, who retired from the sport in 2017, still currently holds world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m and is the only man to win three consecutive Olympic sprint doubles.
Her first treat was held at the Windalco Sports Complex in Ewarton a week earlier.
On Boxing Day, children at the Fesco Field, children in the Waterhouse community were treated to a mixture of toys, rides, food and face painting to name a few.
Sponsors for the treat were Nike, Digicel Jamaica, Grace Foods, XLCR Jamaica and Toyota Jamaica Limited.
“The best Birthday gift I can ever receive is having a successful Treat each year,” said Fraser-Pryce who also celebrated her 37th birthday on Wednesday.
“Nothing more, nothing less. Thank you to our amazing sponsors and volunteers,” added the three-time Olympic and 10-time World Champion.
Fraser-Pryce only competed in five 100m races in 2023 due to a nagging knee injury.
Despite those concerns, she was still able to perform when it counted with 100m bronze at the World Championships in Budapest in August.
Her time (10.77) was a season’s best in her last race of the season.
Many members of the community turned out to receive packages containing household items and with the help of Mario Mitchell the councillor for the Bellefield Division that includes Banana Ground in the Manchester Northwestern constituency, packages were also distributed to other members of the community who were unable to show up.
Councillor Mitchell explained that Elaine decided to deliver packages to the elderly members of the community after having a conversation with her grandmother, ‘Miss Hyacinth’ who brought to her attention the fact that there were a number of people who were bedridden and were particularly vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus.
Otherwise, the event was well needed and was successful, Mitchell said.
“It was well-received. The children came out. The mothers came out. Banana Ground is a farming community so the farmers were in the fields but they came out later. There was music, there was food. All who came out got a token as well as a care package,” Mitchell said.
Notwithstanding her international fame, Elaine has always remained rooted in the community. Her family, including her father, uncles and grandmother, still live in Banana Ground and hence the residents were glad to have been beneficiaries of her initiative.
“They were happy to see Elaine. They were happy they had something, the care packages and educational toys for the kids as well as supermarket vouchers that were won by people who participated in a quiz about Elaine,” Derron told Sportsmax. TV.
The quiz, he said, was particularly enjoyable because so many from the community were able to correctly answer the questions about Elaine. In some instances, they were awarding prizes to as many as three people for each question.
In short, the people of Banana Ground loved it.
“I think it was a good idea and she did a very good thing, giving back to the community,” said a female resident of Banana Ground. “I know the community appreciated what she has done and I hope she keeps up the good work and I wish her all the best. I wish her long life and prosperity.”
Packages were also distributed to members of the nearby Bellefield community, who were grateful for the largesse.
Mitchell said he delivered care packages earlier but didn’t have enough “so her effort helped out a lot,” he said.
Derron said they were planning another similar event for Lakes Pen in Spanish Town, St Catherine but was unable to say when and where that would take place.
Williams, who now trains in Jamaica, feted children at the Paradise Community Centre from 10am to 3pm. The children enjoyed playing on bounce-about rides, a Santa Village, a games screen and gifts from Digicel.
Grace Foods provided boxed lunches, beverages and snacks to each child.
"For the last two treats, we had to deliver the gifts to each home wearing masks because of the pandemic,” Williams said.
“It's nice to host a fun day and interact with the community. This is what makes Christmas special for the children.
“Special thanks to my sponsors Digicel, Grace Foods and KIG Jamaica for making this a reality for the last three years".
Through the generous support of sponsors and the unwavering commitment of Fraser-Pryce, the children of Ewarton enjoyed a day filled with laughter, gifts, and exciting activities. This marks the third consecutive year that the Pocket Rocket Foundation has organized such an event in Ewarton, a testament to the foundation's dedication to spreading joy during the holiday season.
Fraser-Pryce, a decorated athlete and Olympic gold medalist, has not only excelled on the track but has also embraced the role of a benefactor to the community, particularly the children who eagerly anticipate the annual Christmas treat. With support from sponsors, including Digicel, the treat featured an array of delightful activities for the children, including rides on bounce-abouts, a rock climbing experience, and merry-go-rounds.
"We are very grateful for the support of our sponsors who have made this event possible. It's heartening to see the smiles on the children's faces as they enjoy the festivities," expressed Fraser-Pryce.
Sponsored in part by Digicel, the treat not only brought joy but also provided practical gifts for the children. NIKE contributed drawstring bags, socks, and pens, adding a touch of excitement to the holiday season. Digicel covered the costs of toys and rides, while Gracekennedy sponsored refreshments, ensuring the children had a memorable and enjoyable experience.
To make the occasion even more special, the foundation purchased 30 gallons of ice cream, adding a sweet touch to the festivities. Excelsior, a valued partner, distributed snack packs to all 300 children who gathered at the Windalco Sports Complex. This year, Windalco Sports Complex collaborated with the Pocket Rocket Foundation to create a safer and more conducive environment for the children.
Highlighting the sense of community and continuity, some past and present recipients of the foundation's support traveled to Ewarton to volunteer and share in the joyous occasion. Toyota Jamaica once again played a crucial role by providing transportation, ensuring that the children had a seamless and enjoyable experience.
As the sun set on a day filled with laughter, gifts, and shared moments, the Pocket Rocket Foundation, through Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's vision, once again demonstrated the power of giving back and spreading the true spirit of Christmas in Ewarton.
