The Sunnyridge Primary School sports field was transformed into a Christmas party scene when Santa Claus surprised 500 children with a party they will not forget, last Saturday.
Child Welfare Germiston, a large number of volunteers, local businesses and large corporates put together their energy and resources to host a never-to-be-forgotten party for 500 abandoned, orphaned and abused children from the organisation.
Local businesses got involved and sponsored four buses while the Ekurhuleni mayor’s office sponsored the remaining three buses needed to transport the children from Germiston and Katlehong.
Donors and sponsors jumped at the opportunity to spend the day with the children, entertaining them with jumping castles, a Ferris wheel, swings and different games to play where wonderful prizes could be won.
There was also a fishing game, soccer, cricket, putt-putt and a water slide.
To add to the fun, a snow machine transformed a beautiful Gauteng summer’s day into a white Christmas for the children.
Volunteers from the community and church groups took responsibility for setting up the game stalls, sponsoring the prizes and goodies that were won.
The children were spoilt upon arrival with welcome packs filled with a T-shirt, sweets, juices and stationery for school.
During the course of the day they could enjoy and participate in all the activities to their heart’s desire, enjoy popcorn, hot dogs, cold drinks, cupcakes and cool off on the water slide when things became too hot to handle.
Finally the day came to an end with a surprise visit by Santa Claus, who handed out party buckets filled with goodies and a school carry bag with the stationery each child needed for 2017.
Child Welfare Germiston thanked each and every volunteer, donor and sponsor who went the extra mile to make this a most unforgettable day for everyone involved.
“We only get the opportunity every four or five years to arrange a party of this magnitude, allowing us to create the opportunity for volunteers, donors and sponsors to engage and interact with the children we work with.
“The involvement and support was overwhelming with support coming as far as Australia, the UK and the USA.
“Nothing was too much effort for those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the day to make it a huge success,” said Barbara Bouwer, the director of Germiston Child Welfare.
Child Welfare Germiston expresses a special word of thanks to Marianna Odendaal, the principal of Sunnyridge Primary School for allowing the organisation to use their sports field to host the event.
“The full list of sponsors and lots of photographs of the fun are on our Facebook page – Child Welfare Germiston,” said Bouwer.
“In a world filled with so many challenges I once again stood in awe and appreciation of the generosity, compassion and dedication of so many people who gave not only donations but also their time, energy and something of themselves to make a difference in the lives of these children.”
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