NEWS hosts seventh annual Christmas party for Pinocchio Centre
For most of the children, the only Christmas presents they will get this year are those sponsored by our readers.
2015 marks the seventh year the Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS, with the support of its readers and sponsors, hosted a fun-filled Christmas party for the children at the Pinocchio Educare Centre.
Every year, the NEWS was overwhelmed by the response to our call for readers to come forward and “adopt” a child by buying a gift for that child.
This year’s list consisted of 50 children. Several readers bought presents for more than one child.
Former principal, Cheralle Beddar, was remembered as her photo was displayed against the backdrop of a small Christmas tree and handmade angels.
The NEWS previously reported that her death on September 14 left many at the school and in the community in mourning.
She was well-known for her dedication and hard work at Pinocchio and she was much-loved by her pupils and the Edenvale community.
For most of the children, the only Christmas presents they will get this year are those sponsored by our readers.
Party
With the support of 7 Eagles Spur at Greenstone Shopping Centre and Karaglen SuperSpar in Edenvale, the NEWS not only handed out gifts but also hosted a fun-filled party.
The party kicked off with the arrival of the day’s special guest, Santa Claus (senior journalist, Brian Mchunu), who immediately started to hand out Christmas presents.
“It was extremely heart-warming to see the appreciation on every child’s face when opening their presents. Readers went the extra mile with the gift selection and each child received a beautiful present,” said the NEWS’ Editor, Marietta Lombard.
The handing out of the gifts was followed by a delicious Spur lunch.
More treats awaited the children with goodie boxes filled with sweet packs, chips, cold drinks and lucky packets from Karaglen SuperSpar.
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 and children from Pinocchio Educare Centre send out a huge thank you to our readers, 7 Eagles Spur and Karaglen SuperSpar for making this day memorable.
