As they ripped the wrapping paper off their presents, the joy of Christmas was evident on the many faces of the children at Pinocchio Educare Centre.
For the 10th consecutive year and with the support of our sponsors, the Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS hosted a Christmas party on December 4 for the children of Pinocchio, which is part of Child Welfare SA – Edenvale.
The party kicked off with the arrival of the day’s special guests, Santa’s elves, who immediately started to hand out Christmas presents.
Like the nine years before, the Pinocchio learners were overwhelmed.
Each child received a present sponsored by the NEWS’ readers. Residents again went out of their way to ensure each of the 54 children received an extra special Christmas gift.
It was a day of giving as our annual sponsors – De Backery, Karaglen SuperSpar and 7 Eagles Spur at Greenstone Shopping Centre – were joined by seven-year-old Bianca Alico who donated her toys to the centre.
Bianca and her family will soon immigrate to the UK and instead of taking her toys with, she decided to donate her toys to the children of Pinocchio.
She handed over a huge bag of toys, much to the children’s delight.
The handing out of the gifts was followed by a delicious lunch sponsored by 7 Eagles Spur.
Another surprise awaited the children when Wouter Mentz, from 7 Eagles Spur, and his staff handed out more lucky packets from Spur.
Lunch was followed by a treat from De Backery in Edenvale with a sponsorship of delicious cupcakes.
More treats awaited the children with goodie boxes filled with sweet packs, chips and cold drinks from Karaglen SuperSpar and cupcakes from De Backery.
The staff and sponsors spent several fun-filled hours with the children.
“Every year the NEWS’ team is taken aback by the response from our readers and residents who, without hesitation, always grab the opportunity to support this event. The past 10 years have produced much joy and hundreds of smiles. Without our readers and sponsors, this would not have been possible.
“The Christmas party has become a highlight on the Pinocchio and Child Welfare calendar. Each year we look forward to making Christmas extra special for the children and staff at Pinocchio,” said the NEWS’ editor, Marietta Lombard.
For many of the children, the only Christmas presents they will receive this year are those sponsored by the NEWS’ readers.
The 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.
