Some 200 underprivileged children had a fabulous time at horse racing day where more than R220 000 was raised at the Phumelela Christmas Tree, powered by Tellytrack, at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday, December 5.
This was the ninth edition of this heart-warming annual event and there were children from four homes – the St Laurence’s Children’s Haven, Abraham Kriel Childcare, Alberton Christian Fellowship and BB Ministries.
They were treated to lunch in a special Christmas Tree enclosure next to the parade ring and enjoyed a variety of activities during the afternoon, including a jumping castle, pony rides, a magic show and a dance competition.
For many of the kids the highlight of their afternoon was when they were taken upstairs to the Aquanaut Room to meet Santa Claus and get their Christmas gifts; some toiletries and a bag of goodies for the trip home.
Sponsors of races at the meeting and those who donated directly to the Christmas Tree by buying tables were entertained in the Aquanaut Room. Tellytrack’s Rod McCurdy did a sterling job as MC and revenue for the Christmas Tree was boosted by an auction of various items during the afternoon.
Phumelela, in conjunction with the St Lawrence’s Children’s Haven, have awarded four study bursaries for 2016 from the proceeds of the Christmas Tree. The remainder of the monies will be used to fill wish lists from the homes for much-needed appliances and other essential items such as bedding.
