Community Christmas Party

Over 100 children from Eden Park attended a community Christmas party on December 15

It was hosted by Mercia Scheepers, founder of SEK Kids (Spiritually Empowered Kingdom Kids), and sponsors.

“It’s a non-profitable initiative that I am doing from my heart for our community children,” said Mercia.

Children were spoiled with McDonald’s meals and other treats at the Christmas party.

“Over 100 children attended the Christmas party. I’m so happy that it was a great success. We gave them their smiles back. We gave them the best Christmas Party with everything sponsored.”

A party with a purpose

Mercia is also the former secretary of Ekurhuleni Film Forum voluntarily.

“The initiative of SEK Kids started in 2011 and I did it on a small scale from my pocket. I worked with the children a few times in a month, sharing Godly ways and principles, life lessons, prayer and gave them a Christmas party in the flat yard (Eden Mews Flats),” she said.

Based on her assessment, she identified a need for positive and grounded instruction for the foundation stage children in 2020.

“I was deeply propelled to do something for our children and sought sponsors and give them a memorable Christmas party.

“It’s been trying and difficult years for all the children and their families with the pandemic.

“The children had to adapt to so much during this pandemic, some lost family members or a parent. They live in homes that are affected by this pandemic, some parents lost their jobs, some died.

“All the above urged me to write proposals and seek door-to-door sponsorship. Our community has many social illnesses that we can overcome. Seeing nine-year-old boys smoking dagga in the corners of the flat yard pushed me to have gatherings with the children in the flat yard.

“In October, we gathered, prayed, memorised scripture and spoke on how to handle peer pressure. We also talked about gender-based violence, substance and Covid-19 preventative measures and practised Christmas carols for the party. The children attended in numbers and enjoyed and found a place of belonging with a positive identity,” Mercia explained.

A big thank you

Thank you to Bonnie Hodgkiss, Monica’s Book Club, McDonald’s, volunteers of SEK Kids, councillor Dino Peterson, DJ Levandre, Gwen Mark Camera Crew, Sharon Hudson, Audrey, Paulene Kammies, Melissa Edwards, Father Christmas, Varity Snyman, Faith (living in Cortina Street) and Eden Park Buyrite Shopping Centre for making all of this possible.

“The Christmas party was a great success and we are giving God all the glory.

“Thanks to every person who helped in the smallest way, the children saw your love. Without all of you, the event wouldn’t have been a success. God bless,” Mercia concluded.

• All photographs supplied by photographer Gwen Mark Camera Crew.