The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

CHRISTMAS was a little extra special for the residents of the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel, thanks to the commitment from tennis sensation Sydney Clarke.

On Christmas Eve, Clarke presented a huge parcel of food, toiletries and toys to the home, all through the generosity of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association, her friends and family members, who supported her initiative of giving back to those in need.

“I was just really happy that I could come down here and give my support to these kids and just give them a Merry Christmas,” Clarke said. “I got a lot of support from the public, my tennis community and my family and friends.

“A lot of people took the time to give back, so I am very thankful for that. I am very, very appreciative of that. I hope that I can make it an annual event. I feel I can help out every time I come home.”

Clarke, home for the holidays after completing her freshman year at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, conducted the food and toy drive on Tuesday at the National Tennis Centre. As a result of the tremendous support she got, it was extended to Wednesday. Thursday, she made the presentation.

Charlene Gibson, the business manager at the hostel, accepted the items and thanked Clarke for looking out for the children.

“We want to thank you for your generosity,” said Gibson on behalf of the Board of Directors, their staff and the Ministry of Social Services. “We appreciate what you have done. We know that it takes a lot to put something like this together.

“But I want to let you know that we are grateful for the donation and we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and all of the best in your studies and in your tennis career.”

There are 25 children in the hostel between the ages of 14 months to 15 years, two of whom are artistic and two disabled.

But while she accepted the items from Clarke, Gibson said it was unfortunate that they could not allow her to interact with them because of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

“At first she said she just wanted to do a drive after she saw me in an interview on television,” Gibson said. “I told her to just go ahead and let me know what the outcome would be. But I’m in awe because it’s a lot. I didn’t expect such a great and generous support from the public.”

Having just started her employment at the hostel in March, Gibson said the support from the public has been tremendous with Clarke joining a number of corporate entities and their international partners, who have heeded their plea for support.