First Christmas at Oaktree event spreads joy to dozens of children

First Christmas at Oaktree event spreads joy to dozens of children
Santa poses for a photo with a child at the first Christmas at Oaktree event on Friday, December 18, 2020. (PHOTO: OAKTREE MEDICAL)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With a mix of holiday music, laughter, gifts, Oaktree elves and Santa Claus, Oaktree Medical Center (OMC) held its first Christmas at Oaktree event on Friday, December 18.

Santa poses for a photo with a group of children at the first Christmas at Oaktree event on Friday, December 18, 2020. (PHOTO: OAKTREE MEDICAL)

In celebration of the holiday season, OMC “brought smiles to the faces of 1,000 boys and girls” during its day-long, socially distanced drive-by event for children in the community, according to a statement released by OMC.

Thanks to the dedication of the Oaktree staff, churches, civic groups and children’s homes in the community received gifts for boys and girls to open on Christmas day.

Oaktree General Manager and lead organizer of the event Kristi Deveaux lauded her team for spreading joy to so many, and for their support to make the event successful, even while noting the challenging year many have faced.

“We’ve done COVID testing here at Oaktree, so we are aware of the impact this pandemic is having on so many,” Deveaux said.

“In light of this, we wanted to bring some encouragement, a little joy, hope and laughter to remind us all that 2020 is still redeemable.

“Just like the strong, resilient Oaktree, we are shade to those who need help and support. We wanted to ensure that kids in our community felt loved while being mindful of the importance of social distancing.”

Oaktree Medical Center Medical Director Dr Don Diego Deveaux and General Manager Kristi Deveaux with Oaktree staff. (PHOTO: OAKTREE MEDICAL)
Santa poses for a photo with a group of children at the first Christmas at Oaktree event on Friday, December 18, 2020. (PHOTO: OAKTREE MEDICAL)