Shaggy misses concert but not hospital tour

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Philanthropist and deejay Shaggy again made Christmas come true for many at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Shaggy and his celebrity friends made their way to the hospital on Tuesday where they handed out gifts, gave brief performances, and spread much cheer among the children, their parents and the staff.

Having been a donator to the hospital for many years, Shaggy, despite not hosting his Shaggy and Friends concert, still made sure the children got what has been an annual treat.

Sean Paul, Chris Martin, Tessane Chin, and Alaine, among others have been a part of the treat in previous years. This time around, G-Whizz, QQ and hot deejay Khago were the ones to benefit from seeing the smiles on the faces of children. Starting after 3 p.m., Shaggy and his friends, as well as a KFC mascot, Scotiabank volunteers, among others, made their way from ward to ward handing out presents, taking pictures and talking to the children.

A number of children were seen sporting painted faces done by a clown, who was having fun making them laugh.

The children were all smiles as the entertainers, who all seemed to be very good with children, talked to them, and spread much cheer.

Over the last two years, The Shaggy and Friends concert has seen the entertainment fraternity coming together to assist the deejay in making a difference.

That assistance has so far raised millions of dollars. This, twinned with donations of equipment to assist sick Jamaican children at the hospital, has made the efforts worthwhile.

Shaggy took time out of the tour of the hospital to tell The Gleaner his reason for not hosting his charity show come early next year.

"It's just about reinvention, we need that," he said.

After touring the hospital, the children were brought out for a mini concert with music from the deejays, as well as from the selectors.