Now an annual tradition for the communities closest to Celebration Key, Carnival’s flagship exclusive
destination, this year’s giveaway brought backpacks, supplies and family fun to High Rock Government Park
High Rock Government Park was the site of Carnival Cruise Line’s annual back-to-school
community event. The cruise line hosted a giveaway to provide backpacks and school supplies to children
from East Grand Bahama communities — from Freetown to Sweeting’s Cay — which neighbor closest to
Carnival’s flagship exclusive destination, Celebration Key.
Carnival held the family event, held on August 29, and distribute hundreds of backpacks filled with essential
school supplies for primary, junior and high school students, as well as vouchers to help with school uniform
purchases. It also featured free food and beverages, sweet treats, games and family-friendly activities,
including bouncing castles and face painting for children.
“Every year, this back-to-school giveaway is one of the highlights of our community calendar,” said Philcher
Grant, director of public affairs and community engagement, The Bahamas & Turks and Caicos Islands,
Carnival Cruise Line. “These events are about more than backpacks and supplies — they’re about showing
up for the families in the communities we call home and helping students start the school year with
confidence and excitement.”
The Grand Bahama giveaway reaches the communities that live alongside Celebration Key and has become
part of Carnival’s annual back-to-school tradition on the island. This was the third back-to-school giveaway
across Carnival’s Bahamas and Turks & Caicos destinations this month.
To help bring the event to life, Carnival partnered with local vendors, businesses and community
organizations, including: Anderson’s, East Grand Bahama Local Government, Coca-Cola Bahamas, Kiwanis
Club of Eight Mile Rock, Rotary Club of Freeport, The Pilot Club of Lucaya and Ace of Fadez Barbershop.
“Anderson’s was grateful for the opportunity to support this year’s back-to-school giveaway by providing food
for hundreds of children and families throughout the afternoon,” said Juan Carlos Forasté, food & beverage
director of operations for Grupo Anderson’s.
“Being part of this event, alongside Carnival and our community partners, was a meaningful way to stay
connected with and support the East Grand Bahama community. It was about more than serving a meal – it
was about coming together, supporting local families and making the day special for the children. Seeing
them enjoy it was incredibly rewarding, and we’re grateful to have contributed to something that brings
people together and makes such a positive impact.”
“From Smiths Point to Sweeting’s Cay, this giveaway has become something our community looks forward to
every year,” said Daniel “Danny” Bain, chief councilor for East Grand Bahama, East Grand Bahama Local
Government. “Carnival continues to show up for East Grand Bahama, and we are deeply grateful for their
continued support of our students.”
This year’s Grand Bahama back-to-school event builds on similar events Carnival has held in Grand Bahama
in previous years, part of the company’s broader, ongoing commitment to partner meaningfully with
communities across its Bahamas and Turks & Caicos destinations.
