On Friday 27th November we held our Annual Children’s Christmas Party for some of the beneficiaries of our Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Project.  With 97 eager and excited children arriving at the Topsy Sanctuary in Grootvlei, the day could only be a success!

Party tables were set out, and the area was beautifully decorated by Crazy Chameleon.  The attention to detail was incredible, and this was a party the likes of which these children had never seen before.  Each child received a party pack in the form of a bucket filled with delicious goodies, amongst which were beautiful Christmas candy canes donated by UPD (United Pharmaceutical Distributors), who have taken Topsy into their hearts in a big way.

In the spirit of teaching the children about the true meaning of Christmas, some children and members f the Grootvlei Community, and acted out the Nativity play.  A local pastor, guitar in hand, then took to the stage and got the children singing and doing actions to the songs.

The big moment is always when Father Christmas arrives, which of course he did, with presents for each child.  While the children were waiting for their name to be called, they restored their energy with hotdogs, cupcakes and their party packs!

Unfortunately the festivities outside had to be cut short as a massive hailstorm took over, but at least the children were able to go inside and hit their piñata to get to the much longed for sweets!  It was wonderful to be able to bring a little bit of excitement into the lives of these special children; lives which more often than not are filled with hardship, difficulty and sadness.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for making the 2009 Children’s Christmas Party possible and the success that it was : TC Design Architects and UPD (United Pharmaceutical Distributors) for sponsoring the gifts; Crazy Chameleon for making the party venue look so incredible, and for spending so much time purchasing and wrapping each and every gift, as well as packing 97 party packs – particularly Shirley and Lydia from the Benoni franchise; Johlaine from Pretoria North and Martina from Vaal Triangle.  Also a big thanks to Lydia and Paul from Crazy Chameleon Head Office for helping on the day.  Sandy’s Ribbons and Bows for sponsoring all the gift wrap which made the presents look so special;
Protech Khuthele for paying for some of the costs involved, and Piñatas for Africa for sponsoring the Piñata.