The Land of Oz Nursery School recently hosted a family day fundraising function with the aim of raising money to feed hundreds of schoolchildren in Diepsloot.
The event welcomed 100 families at the nursery in Chartwell, enjoying food stalls galore and endless entertainment, from carousels, pony rides, gladiators, games, book reading, magic shows, face painting and more.
Principal of Land of Oz, Maureen Irving gave some insight on the event, “This outreach team was set up 13 years ago and it’s run by our parents. All the proceeds go towards packing food for Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organisation that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable.”
The nursery school has a fundraising every year and that money is able to feed four preschools in Diepsloot for a full year. It doesn’t end there. Irving added, ” Each child gets a pair of shoes and jerseys when winter begins, they get Easter goodies for Easter and Christmas presents during Christmas time.”
Last year Land of Oz raised R80 000 and packed 27 000 meals. “After each fundraising, Rise Against Hunger comes to our school and we have two full packing days. The food comes all the way from America, it’s a combination of proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables.”
This event was sponsored by 14 parents at the school, all contributing different activities and services. Parent, Gillian Manning was a first-time sponsor who provided a photo booth service. “I’m just trying to raise as much as I can, R20 a picture and I’ll be giving all the money I make today to the school because it really deserves it.”
A Jelly Tot mascot spent the morning walking around the school giving out goodies. The mascot was sponsored by Dave Little. “My son has been in the school for three years now, I’ve been sponsoring for three years. Its always incredibly organised and I think the moms and teachers involved do an unbelievable job.”
Author Refiloe Maohloli read her new book, Yes Yanga, to the kids. She spoke to the Fourways Review with excitement, “I’ve been an author since 2017, mostly I publish children’s books and do some poetry.
“It’s my first time reading to such a big audience. I’m excited but having the parents here is new for me also I’m used to reading to kids a little older.”
At the end of the day, the event was a success. S”I am so happy to tell you that we raised R39 450 at our fun day and every cent will go towards feeding hungry children through Rise Against,” Irving concluded.
Details: Land of Oz Nursery School 011 027 5010.
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