Rotary club of Alberton bringing joy to many
The Rotary club of Alberton is hosting their second “Tree of Joy" project on the weekend of November 30 and December 1 and this year they are bringing it closer to home, at Game in Alberton City.
ALBERTON – “Many of us will be wondering what this project is all about as last year it was held just outside of the Alberton area and was a huge success,” said Brett Johnson.
“Many of us take Christmas gifts for granted, and many of us return gifts as it is not what we liked, but the Rotary Club has a huge list of names of worthy recipients who do not normally get gifts over the festive season for various reasons,” explains Brett.
They appeal to the public to take a tag off the tree, buy a gift for the person and then return it to the tree where it will be wrapped and distributed a few days later in time for Christmas. These recipient’s range in age from a few months to the elderly, across gender, and race. Last year the Rotary Club of Alberton was able to assist almost 100 people in need and this year they wish to get more support to be able to assist more in need.
“We have over 400 possible recipients this year, but unfortunately we may not be able to assist in all these cases. We are appealing to the public to support us on November 30 and December 1 to show their generosity towards those in need as it is ‘through giving that we receive’. Traci, a member of the public who participated in the project last year, was touched by requests such as that of a four-year-old child’s wish which was just for food.
She and her husband have since assisted in more than one of Rotary’s projects and feel it is a worthwhile cause.
“Who knows, it may be you or I that as a child did not get to celebrate Christmas with a gift, but by the Grace of God we have the means and the love from families which many do not have. I urge each and every one of you to support us, even if it means buying something towards a bigger gift like toiletries, etc. which many of the elderly cannot afford,” said Brett.
If you work for a corporate business or even a small business, why not challenge your colleagues or management and do your bit for your community. Approximate value of gift suggested around R150.
The Rotary Club of Alberton would also like to thank the community and the newspapers for their support in projects in the year and should anyone require more information on this project or would like to pledge a number of gifts, please contact Brett Johnson 083 328 9773 to make collection arrangements.
