Popcaan’s back-to-school treat returns August 25 - St Thomas deejay hoping to bring joy to hundreds in home parish

Following a two-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, dancehall artiste Popcaan is once again looking to bring some good cheer to the children of St Thomas, as his annual Off-to-School Treat and Fun Day returns.

The entertainer, through his Popcaan Care Foundation, is set to host hundreds of children from his home parish on August 25 at the Rudolph Elder Park in Morant Bay. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A representative of the foundation said the treat's return has already been welcomed with much excitement and even more gratitude from parents and guardians.

"Anticipation is high as this is the first time in two years that we will be able to do this. Parents are happy, the children are happy and we at Popcaan Care Foundation are immensely overjoyed that the treat is returning," the representative shared. "Popcaan is all about the people of St Thomas so when we didn't get to do this the past two years, it really didn't sit well with him. He loves to help and he especially loves to put smiles on the faces of the youth from the place he calls home, so this return is not only special for the people of St Thomas but for Popcaan as well."

In 2019, the deejay's event catered to more than 700 children. This year, organisers are hoping to treat "as many children as possible".

"We know times have been hard with the pandemic and parents have been finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. We just want to help make their task a little bit less daunting and ease some of the back-to-school pressure," the representative said.

This year's event will be sponsored by a number of well-known entities including Clarks Original, Unruly Entertainment, OVO, Bashco and SMA Talent.

Children will be feted with school supplies including bags, books and other stationery, all while enjoying rides.