McDonald’s pulled out all the stops to deliver an unforgettable lavish Christmas party for the children of Ponelopele Drop-in Centre in Alexandra on 6 December.
The Play-off Street party was held outside the home of the 65-year-old founder of Ponelopele Mme Salamina Mashigo, who is now slowly pulling her foot off the pedal to handover the reigns of the organisation to a much more youthful board of trustees under the chairmanship of Patrick Baloyi.
Besides the lavish party packs handed out to more than 300 children, McDonald’s brought school bags packed with gifts and school stationery for the children of Tsutsumani Village. The popular fast-food restaurant was brought on board for the party by Ponelopele’s main donor of more than 10 years, Streamlight of Kramerville, a Sandton-based lighting design and supply specialists, to help throw a memorable party for the children of Mme Salamina.
Other children from Diepsloot and Katlehong joined the Alex party-goers and received all the gifts and other presents given to Mme Salamina’s children. The Diepsloot children were brought along by the DStv film crew of Moja Love while the disabled children from Katlehong received clothes in addition to presents.
Speaking to Alex News at the end of the party, Baloyi thanked Streamlight and new donor McDonald’s for the ‘wonderful and sumptuous party’ that he believed will linger longer in the minds of the children.
“I don’t have enough words to express our gratitude as Ponelopele to the two donors but ask the Almighty to shower them with blessings,” Baloyi said.
