A Christmas wish to the needy of Fourways
FOURWAYS – It was a heartwarming event just in time for the festive season as Montecasino donated to those in need on 18 December.
Montecasino got into the festive spirit and recently donated to those in need.
The annual Montecasino Christmas Village, filled with stalls, great family fun and movies for the children was hosted from 12 until 17 December at Montecasino’s Piazza. Attendees were charged R10 each for entrance and on 18 December the proceeds raised from admission were donated to two worthy causes.
The charity handover took place at the Malt Fire and Barrel restaurant at Montecasino and was covered by staff and DJs from 94.7 Highveld Stereo, who broadcast the Christmas wishes live during the Greg and Lucky Show.
“This year we decided to use the money raised by the entrance fee to two good causes in the community,” explained Mike Page, general manager for Montecasino. “We wanted to do something for the community because people struggle here [in Fourways] just like they do everywhere else.
“We decided to support the community at large, as well as an individual family.”
The two causes were a feeding scheme run by staff at Fourways High School and the support of Keenan Moodley and his family.
“[Our school] initially wanted to do outreach to those in need outside the [Fourways] community, but we soon realised that there were people in the school who needed help,” explained Wendy de Bruyn, principal of Fourways High and who attended the event.
“So we started a feeding scheme where we send food parcels to about six [Fourways High] families a month. We also feed children at the school breakfast and lunch every day.
“The ladies who run the scheme are called Shirley Rametsi and Kelly Dros, two teachers at the school who are angels.”
The second cause which was granted a Christmas wish was the Moodley family, who received support for the care of little Keenan. Keenan, his mother and a number of other family members were present at Malt for the event.
“Keenan is now six years old and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was nine months old,” explained Nerupa Moodley, Keenan’s mom.
“[The money we receive today] will go towards his care and therapy, as with the right therapy he will hopefully not have to have any more operations.”
It was a heartwarming event which captured the Christmas spirit and moved all attendees.
“We at Montecasino are very committed to the community, and I think this event showed that,” concluded Lisa Sukdev, who works in public relations for Montecasino.
