NEWS hosts 11th annual Christmas party for Pinocchio
This year was also made extra meaningful with our community kick-starting the Christmas gift collection much earlier than planned.
The annual Christmas party for the children at Pinocchio Educare Centre has become the NEWS’ favourite Caxton Cares calendar event.
The year 2019 marked the NEWS’ 11th year involvement in hosting the party with the same sponsors supporting the event on a yearly basis.
Also read: Horwood’s Farm celebrates Christmas
This year was also made extra meaningful with the community kick-starting the Christmas gift collection much earlier than planned.
Unlike the previous years when the NEWS appealed to readers to sponsor the Christmas presents, this year saw a group of community members, encouraged by the chairperson of Child Welfare – SA Edenvale and Bedfordview, Pieter Le Roux, took it upon themselves to get the collection drive started.
Le Roux and his neighbours, Simone Lobetti and Michelle Kleer, asked the residents to contribute to the drive, and this expanded with First St Benedict’s Cub Pack also getting involved.
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Pack scouter Allison Odgers said the the 50 strong Cub Pack jumped at the opportunity to lend a hand, and gave back to others.
Parents of Cubs also bought gifts towards the collection.
The pack collected over 30 presents which the Cubs wrapped on November 8.
“It is a great idea that children help other children,” said vice-chairperson of Child Welfare- SA Edenvale and Bedfordview, Nikki van der Walt.
She previously told the NEWS that their annual Christmas party is a special day for the children at the educare centre.
“The children had an absolute ball, and it was a nice farewell party for the Grade R learners who leave the school.”
The NEWS hosted the party on Tuesday, and the joy of Christmas was evident on the many beautiful faces.
As always, the sponsors arrived with delicious lunch from Spur and sweet treats from De Backery and Karaglen.
Every year, the NEWS is overwhelmed by the support from the community, but this year the NEWS again thanked their loyal supporters, 7 Eagles Spur Greenstone, De Backery, Karaglen SuperSpar, the Cub Pack and the community members, who exceeded all expectations with the beautiful presents for the children.
