Oohs and aahs as children unwrap gifts from readers
For most of the children, the only Christmas presents they will get this year are those sponsored by our readers.
Oohs and aahs filled the Pinocchio Educare Centre as children unwrapped their Christmas gifts sponsored by readers of the Bedfordview and Edenvale News on Tuesday last week.
Rain did not deter the celebrations when the NEWS hosted its 9th annual Christmas party for the children at Pinocchio.
Despite challenging financial times, with the support of readers and sponsors, each child received a special present, carefully and lovingly selected by their respective sponsors.
This year’s list consisted of 50 children and several readers bought presents for more than one child.
For most of the children, the only Christmas presents they will get this year are those sponsored by our readers.
Children were spoiled this year with additional small gifts of fidget spinners and soft toys from Spur.
“We have been privileged the past nine years as all the sponsors, who pledged their support nine years ago when the NEWS first hosted the party, have given their support to this annual event ever since. We commend 7 Eagles Spur at Greenstone Shopping Centre, Karaglen SuperSpar and De Backery in Edenvale for ensuring that this annual event takes place,” said the NEWS’ editor, Marietta Lombard.
The party kicked off with the arrival of the day’s special guests – the Santa Elves – who immediately started to hand out Christmas presents.
“This year’s present collection started off slowly but our readers responded to our pleas and came on board. Their generosity ensured that each child received a Christmas present,” said Lombard.
The handing out of gifts was followed by a delicious Spur lunch and party packs from Spar.
It was rounded off with a sweet treat of cupcakes sponsored by De Backery.
The Pinocchio Educare Centre is an early learning centre for the stimulation and development of children from impoverished and low-income families in Edenvale and the surrounding areas.
It provides low-cost day care and prepares children for entry into local schools.
The centre was started by Child Welfare South Africa Edenvale due to the high cost of day care in Edenvale, and because of the high number of single-parent children and orphaned children living with relatives.
The NEWS thanks 7 Eagles Spur, Karaglen SuperSpar and De Backery for once again making provision for the delicious treats enjoyed by the children.
To our readers – a special thank you for helping us make this Christmas special for the children.
