Christmas is a time of celebration usually spent with families and loved ones.

But for the staff of Bank of Baroda in Labasa, Christmas was spent with residents of Babasiga Ashram yesterday.

The staff prepared a special lunch with a variety of vegetable dishes, rice and chicken curry.

Branch manager Uday Singh said the bank made sure that they always prepared something for Christmas every year.

“Most of the residents have been our customers and we want to tell them that we are not just a bank dealing with money but a bank that cares for them.

“Old age is part of life which we all at one time will experience and keeping this in mind I want my staff to show their respect, love and care for the residents,” Mr Singh said.

He said they had plans for next year to do some community work such as painting one of the wards at Labasa Hospital or cleaning the Babasiga Ashram.

Babasiga Ashram welfare officer Neha Prasad said the residents usually looked forward to the Bank of Baroda staff to come and visit during Christmas.

“I am pleased to see participation of many organisations making an effort to boost the morale spirit of Christmas in our residents’ lives,” Ms Prasad said.