Kigali Marriott Hotel   staff last week visited Masaka District Hospital and threw a Christmas party to bring hope to sick children being taken care of at this hospital.

The party involved taking photos with Santa Claus, giving gifts to children, dances, and traditional plays, where the Marriott team played with children who were not severely sick, among others.

The children were overjoyed to play with their visitors.

Speaking at the event, Rex A. G. Nijhof, the general manager of Kigali Marriott Hotel, said the activities are part of their social corporate services where they give back to the community.

"We wanted to show the sick children that we care about what they are going through. We keep them in our hearts and wish them quick recovery, merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” he said.

Ange Iradukunda, 6, is one of the children who interacted with the visiting team. She expressed gratitude to Kigali Marriott for having chosen to visit them among other hospitals.

Iradukunda added that the school materials she got will be helpful once she recovers and goes back to school.

Evariste Bigirimana, the head of Maternity Department at the hospital, commended the initiative, saying it brought joy and hope to patients, especially this festive season.

"We appreciate the support from Marriott Hotel staff. Before, other visitors would only share the gifts and go away, but the Marriott staff interacted with patients through plays, which will leave the children with wonderful memories,” he said.

At this occasion, 90 children received different presents, mainly school materials, toys and snacks worth Rwf1.5 million.