The Lions Club is generally on the giving end, showing benevolence to the needy of our community. However, with Christmas “just around the corner”, The Lions have been on the receiving end of the spectrum, grateful to receive an essential donation from Anglec on behalf of the entire island community.
The donation consisted of over 4,000 feet of service wire to be utilized along the entire length of Mahogany Drive, in The Valley, especially for the Christmas lighting of Coronation Avenue. The Lions have been very instrumental in taking on this task for several years.
Mr. David Hodge, the CEO of Anglec, was delighted to make the necessary donation. He noted: “We know that this year’s contribution of wire would mean much to the success of the national Christmas tree lighting initiative, especially for the enjoyment of the many children, and community members, who look forward to the annual lighting display.
“In reflecting on Anguilla’s incredible journey post Irma, we must express our gratitude for The Lions Community’s public display of appreciation for our company. It feels like a full circle moment, considering all we have experienced.
“This year means a lot to Anglec as well. Like most, we love the holidays and we are excited to continue our long history of partnership with The Lions Community, but finding out about their ANGLEC-themed colour scheme this year was an unexpected honor.”
Mr. Hodge was referring to the fact that The Lions had decided this year to use ANGLEC’s colour scheme of blue and yellow to be reflected in all of their decorations as an appreciation to the company for being so committed to Anguilla’s development.
In making the presentation of the wire, Anglec’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Jemila Morson-Hodge, made mention of the fact that Anglec has been contributing to Lions in this venture for several years, both in cash and in kind. She said: “This is the largest amount of wire that we would have given in the history of our partnership. We also donate to The Lions our services, as well as a contribution towards the cost of electricity. Besides, we will be participating in some of the Christmas events.”
Romero Richardson, the Stores Clerk at Anglec, was the one whom The Lions called on to verify the quantity of wire that would be needed. He commented: “They called me to ask if I could assess the entire length of the avenue to determine the footage that they would need. It calculated to 4,000 feet to be exact and, in conjunction with the purchasing department, we were pleased to help.”
Receiving the contribution on behalf of The Lions was Lions’ Vice President and Treasurer, Mr. Derick Richardson. He said: “Today, we are thankful to accept from Anglec their donation of the wire needed to replace the infrastructure on the Mahogany Drive.”
Mr. Richardson continued: “The wire that had been there previously was destroyed by Hurricane Irma, while some of it was stolen as well. So, because of Anglec’s kind contribution, we are now able to light up the avenue again this year. We have had to scale it back last year due to a lack of proper infrastructure, but this year we are going with the full lighting of the drive once again, thanks to Anglec.”
Mr. Richardson said that The Lions Club has a capable team who does the installation on an annual basis, and its members are now in their 18th year of stringing the Christmas lights. He mentioned that such a team includes electricians, decorators and administrative personnel. He remarked: “At the moment, the guys who are running the wire have already started to install it. It may take a couple of weeks to complete this entire process. Right now they are running the service wire through the trees and, thereafter, they will run the UF wire that would connect the outlets to each tree.”
When asked about the matter of sponsorship, Mr. Richardson replied: “Just as we have done in the past, we have one company sponsor each tree. The company logo of each sponsor will be affixed to its tree. Currently, we have 50 trees and they are all out. We have had a big rush for sponsorship this year, which is a good thing, and we highly appreciate it. Obviously, persons are indeed enthusiastic about the 2018 lighting. The lighting of the Mahogany Drive has become a staple to the Christmas festivities and celebrations in Anguilla, and we have many kind hearted individuals in the community who help us to make it happen each year. We wish to thank Anglec once again for its kindness.”
Mr. Richardson said that the lighting this year will take place at the regular place at The Trough on the night of Wednesday, December 12th.
