Caribbean Mega Bounce hopes to bring cheer

Fresh from a highly successful regional tour, Caribbean Mega Bounce, the region's largest inflatable theme park, is set to make its grand return to Jamaica on December 26 and 27.

Hoping to spread some much-needed holiday cheer, co-founder of Caribbean Mega Bounce, Kirkland 'Bounce Bawse' Kelly, said the inflatable theme park's return will help lift spirits after many Jamaicans were left devastated by Hurricane Melissa last month.

"We were hesitant to stage Mega Bounce, but the parish council, government and an overwhelming band of supporters asked us to go ahead, and honestly, after the disaster of Hurricane Melissa, it does feel like people want back some joy as we continue to go through recovery," Kelly said. "I believe that together we will bounce back stronger. Jamaica hugely supported us when we made our debut back in April, and now it's time to give that energy back."

Outlining that he and his team have been donating relief items to affected communities over the past few weeks, Kelly shared that as part of the ongoing philanthropic efforts, Mega Bounce will be transporting families to Portmore, St Catherine, later this month as the rides take over the Bridgeport Cricket Club.

"We've already helped so many people without posting. So you may not see us being active on the philanthropy scene, but we are there, and we are committed to helping. Jamaica is home. It's where we started with our historic first staging in the region. That Hope Gardens show during Easter was well supported, and we wanted to reciprocate that," he said. "We want those affected by Hurricane Melissa to join in on the fun, and so we will be transporting some families from some of the worst-affected areas into Portmore free of charge. We want them to at least feel the Christmas spirit, and this is our way of doing that."

Mega Bounce will also take over Brooks Park in Mandeville, Manchester, in January. Debbie Smith-Walker, a member of Team Mega Bounce, said part of the proceeds from the Portmore showings and Mandeville appearance will go towards continued relief efforts.