The Lebanese National Energy (LNE) held its Christmas fair

“Christmas in the City” at the Frères Sacré Coeur School – Gemmayzeh, Beirut, in collaboration with the school’s administration. The fair, which stretched over a period of two weeks – December 16 to December 30, 2022, was under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Social Affairs, and in partnership with the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI).

The launch, a grand ceremony, was attended by more than 3,000 persons, with welcoming speeches by the Director of the Frères Sacré Coeur School – Gemmayzeh, Mr. Rodolph Abboud; the Minister of Social Affairs, Dr. Hector Hajjar; the Minister of Tourism, Eng. Walid Nassar; and the President of the LNE, Mr. Ghassan El Khoury; crowned by the lighting of the Christmas tree and fireworks sparkling the Beirut sky.

Considering the social and economic challenges that Lebanon is currently undergoing, the exhibition aimed to provide equal and comprehensive opportunities for society and spread a spirit of strong will, especially among parents and youth, all while activating and empowering a system to support vulnerable members of society and assist them in securing respectable and acceptable living conditions. The underlying objective was to promote economic development and support marketing Lebanese products thus motivating and supporting various industries.

The exhibition welcomed approximately 20,000 visitors with more than 90 companies and commercial establishments participating including: a special pavilion for Lebanese wine producers and another for non-governmental organizations wishing to market their products. Visitors savored a variety of foods satisfying different taste buds. About 2,000 square meters were allocated for children’s games, and the school theater hosted eight Christmas plays, which in-turn attracted 2,400 children. Daily performances, concerts, parades and other relevant activities maintained the holiday spirit.

The fair was capped with an acclaimed Christmas concert “LNE – Christmas in the City Concert” held in the historic church of the Frères Sacré Coeur School – Gemmayzeh. More than 70 musicians and choruses of the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and four soloists were led by Maestro Abdo Mounzer. The concert hall was at maximum capacity with an audience of 1,200 who enjoyed amazing sound and light effects accompanying the joy-spreading carols. The LBCI transmitted it live, allowing all Lebanese to view the concert in the comfort of their homes. Much praise has been received from the audience and viewers.

Additionally, and as an outcome of “Christmas in the City”, the LNE secured 500 hot meals which were distributed to the elderly and the underprivileged of the area on both, Christmas and new year’s eves. It also committed to provide the proceeds of the exhibition in the form of school scholarships to cover the tuition of school students.