Pamputtae calls on artistes to support treat

Dancehall artiste Pamputtae is calling on her peers to support her inaugural back-to-school treat scheduled for Thursday in her hometown of Fletcher's Land, west Kingston.

The initiative is being staged under her Single Mother Foundation, and unfolds from noon to 8 p.m.

"A lot of people are asking if any artiste is gonna be there, but me don't waan promise a name and dem don't come," she told THE STAR. "We need artistes to support more. me and nobody nuh have no problem, and if somebody a keep a treat and dem call pon me, once me free me will go. This is something good, and it's not like me a mek a money or it a go inna my pocket. Anything me do is from me heart, so mi woulda love if some artistes pass through and give me a strength and mek the kids feel good. Even if you can't donate anything, just sing a one song for the kids."

The treat follows others staged by Popcaan and Spice this month, and will offer school supplies, food, and even a fun day aspect in store for children.

Pamputtae is urging parents to be early as there will be "lots of giveaways" for the first 100 children.

This is a dream come true for the entertainer, who shared that she has wanted to host a treat in her community for several years. But this was not an easy task.

"This is really special to me, but it took a whole heap of dedication and determination, and love for people and the kids," she said. "As an artiste, you know you have studio work; then there is family, as I have my own kids. but I want to do this so kids going back to school can feel good, so I had to find the time."

She added, "Even fi go a foreign and get the stuff, pack dem, and struggle wid dem, all mi fingernails dem pop off 'cause me alone carry the bags. At the end of the day, me feel bad 'cause me haffi leave some of the things, 'cause me couldn't bring everything, else the barrel wouldn't reach in time for the treat. I know a next child could have gotten something, but me a work with it and give thanks for everybody weh contribute to the foundation."

She added that people can continue to contribute even after Thursday, so deliveries can be made to parents who may be unable to attend the event.