Day Care Centre welcomes donations on Mandela day
The dust and wind did not stand in the way of individuals rendering their 67 minutes of service to the Mpumelelo Day Care Centre in Windmill Park on Friday, July 18.
The centre, owned and started by Maria Gaba, is made up of an orphanage and crèche.
Woolworths Eldridge operations manager Thoriso Leeto, says Mpumelelo was chosen as one of 67 organisations by Woolworths to receive a R5 000 donation towards food and other necessities on Mandela Day.
“Each store submitted their organisation of choice to sponsor and support on the day. We loved the history behind this organisation and Mama Maria’s story,” says Leeto.
The team from Woolworths spent more than 67 minutes playing soccer, jump rope and building blocks with the kids, and also prepared lunch for them.
Birthday boy Sibusiso Mashaba was left by his mother when he was just six weeks old, and shares a birth date with the late Madiba.
Mashaba receives an extra special celebration each year on the day.
Woolworths brought along a birthday cake for Mashaba and sang happy birthday to him.
Woolworths was not the only company that commemorated Mandela Day at Mpumelelo Day Care Centre.
Boksburg Correctional Services social workers and psychologists also made their way to the centre and spent 67 minutes with children.
The women handed over a donation of paint for the kitchen, as well as food and toys.
Gaba expressed gratitude to God for what she says are blessings.
“We truly are blessed today for the time and donations we we’ve received,” she said.
Gaba says that the Van Dyk Laerskool principal Koorie Noortman also made a donation of snacks to the children to enjoy on Mandela Day.
Mpumelelo Day Care Centre, and Maria’s orphanage were both started 19 years ago.
The home and centre assists 160 abused and displaced children in Windmill Park. – @TumeloBoksburg
