In late November, the Royal Resorts Foundation launched a Christmas Toy Drive at the resorts to collect gifts for sick and needy children in Cancun. We are still collecting toys and we thought that you would like to see how we distributed the first batch so generously donated by members, guests and staff. We took them to a huge Dia del Sonrisa children’s party on November 29 organized by Mexican charity Dr. Sonrisas.
A Day to Smile
A fleet of buses ferried 156 children to Los Alamos School in Cancun for a morning of non-stop fun at the Dia del Sonrisa or “Day of Smiles” party on November 29. Invited by three local charities Fundación Aitana (support for children with cancer), Manos de Apoyo y Vida (homeless or street children) and La Escuelita (children’s education), these little warriors are all battling something, whether it is illness or dire poverty, and the event was a chance for the Royal Resorts Foundation to help make them feel special and bring smiles to their faces.
In addition to volunteers from Dr Sonrisas, the other charities and Royal Resorts, many high school students turned out to watch over the groups of children as they enjoyed the different activities. They had to make sure that they did not wander off and that the group kept to the time schedule. Other teenage volunteers manned the stalls as they did at the Dr. Sonrisas Children’s Party in May. Several local companies also participated, donating food and entertainment.
A hectic program of activities was lined up for these special little guests starting with an extract from the movie Frozen, performed by members of a youth theater. Sports and Mexican fair games, a photo with Santa, face painting, lunch, a dance show and the traditional piñata followed. Full of candies and chocolate cake, the children then played until it was time for the parting gifts. To see their little faces wreathed in smiles as they left clutching their gifts was an unforgettable experience.
We are Still Collecting Toys until January 2, Help us Spread some Happiness
For those members who are traveling to Royal Resorts over the Christmas holidays and would like to support the Toy Drive, it is open until January 2. Toys may be dropped off in the boxes in Reception, or with the Guest Services or Operations Manager.
All toys will be given to the children of El Porvenir Children’s Home at a party on January 6, Dia de Reyes. Three Kings Day is the day that Mexican children would traditionally receive a gift.
December 2, Giving Tuesday
On December 2, Giving Tuesday, Royal Resorts Foundation volunteers paid a late night visit to Cancún General Hospital and three Mexican Social Security clinics, including a maternity ward, to distribute coffee, cookies and blankets to the families of patients to make their vigil a bit more comfortable.
For more information on the Royal Resorts Foundation, visit www.royalresortsfoundation.org
