Cheryl Metivier
MEMBERS of the Navet United Sports Club understand the value of bringing joy to others, with no expectation of recognition or repayment. Newsday came across three club members – president Roger Gumai, Mohan Rampersad and Steve Sankar enthusiastically shopping for toys, methodically sorting through hundreds of items; their faces beaming with excitement as they rummaged through the store in preparation for their annual Christmas motorcade.
Every year Gumai and his team drive through the community spreading Christmas cheer to the children and adults alike. He said this positive energy they generate and sustain can only be described as “infectious, a pandemic of happiness,” and it all culminates on Christmas morning – a morning that is typically reserved for family.
“Each family member in each home looks forward to observing its own traditions and customs. Yes, on this morning, the members and supporters of the Navet United Sports Club give up their Christmas family traditions and customs, as they have for over a decade, to create one that has brought infinitely more joy to hundreds of families in their community.”
Gumai, who takes on the role of Santa, told Newsday, this, like all the other undertakings of the club, is a team and community effort and one they all eagerly looked forward to successfully executing year after year. Although they host several events during the year, the motorcade can be considered their flagship event.
“I is de man with the belly!” Gumai proudly declared of the Santa role to which he is totally committed.
“The mastermind behind the Christmas toy drive is Mr Mohan Rampersad, who also offers his home every year to become the ‘Santa’s Workshop.’ This is where the production line for gift wrapping and labelling, party bags are stuffing, decorating and app preparation for the Christmas morning motorcade takes place.
“Multiple improvised work stations which have become quite streamlined and efficient over the years convert the apparent chaos into a well-oiled production. Christmas Eve night is a happy hectic buzz at the Rampersad residence!”
After committing to such a massive undertaking for so many years, Gumai said he doesn’t feel pressured by the expectations this kind of responsibility brings.
“When things are done with the correct mindset and a good heart, the pressure doesn’t really be there; when you see all the kids excited on Christmas morning, and even the parents in the area, seeing the joy that we are able to bring on Christmas morning, you don’t feel no pressure.
“In fact, because people know we do this every year, some people contact us to make contributions, to make sure that we keep this going.”
He said contributions come to them in cash and in kind, from people from all walks of life.
“We doh do it traditional like other people, we don’t just stay on the van, we walk the streets where we know there are children,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_1126683" align="alignnone" width="768"] Members of the Navet United Sports Club. -[/caption
