Cole (right) played Santa Claus earlier this year to Paula Townsend and her son Jardene.
Jamaica Defence Force staff sergeant Kaniel Cole has grown to appreciate the spirit of Christmas, that is centred around family, altruism and love.
Cole, who has been using his social media platform to raise funds for the needy, is grateful for the Yuletide season, as it allows him the opportunity to share with others.
The experience of being less fortunate is one that hits close to home for the Spanish Town, St Catherine native. He shared that his father, a taxi driver, and his mother, a dressmaker, were unable to give him and his four siblings gifts for Christmas as they were poor.