St Giles hosts Christmas in June

It was a merry affair for residents and staff at St Giles Home for the Physically Disabled in De Wetshof as Christmas came early on June 28.

The Christmas in June-styled event was in part organised by Egoli Golden City Toastmasters Club and the Bedfordview Lions Club.

On the night, those attending were treated to delicious pancakes as well as other Christmas treats.

The Joburg Philharmonic Choir was also on hand to provide all the festive music cheer.

Hypnotist extraordinaire Max Kaan provided scintillating entertainment for guests, including card tricks, colour changing hanky illusions and trick number games.

“Magic is a great medium of entertainment and I think the residents thoroughly enjoyed some of the tricks shown to them,” said Kaan. “When seeing some of these less fortunate people, one is immediately reminded of your many blessings. We should capitalise on these by coming together as a community instead of having to moan and groan.”

Irene Rugheimer, who is the zone three chairperson at Bedfordview Lions Clubs, said her organisation was excited to be a part of the event.

“We were happy to support this event, alongside Toastmasters, by bringing in some donations comprising of goodie bags and some eats,” said Rugheimer.

Immediate past president at Gold City Toastmasters Richard Francis explained that Christmas in June is a relatively new concept in South Africa, saying countries in other parts of the world take to observing a Christmas in July. He said the occasion was put together to give back to a home his club has had a good association with.

“As Toastmasters we like to give back as much as possible to this home given that it is always struggling,” explained Francis.

“As a final swansong for the 2018/19 Toastmasters year, we decided we would organise this event and invite other stakeholders to share in the occasion and give of what little we have.”

Social services coordinator at the home Dianne Hasapis expressed her gratitude.

“We’re always very appreciative of people coming in to do these wonderful acts of charitable kindness for our residents. It is a wonderful time for the residents to always get out of their little cocoons which they often retract into. It has done well to lift their spirits,” said Hasapis.

Also follow us on: