Huis Betlehem children enjoy a Christmas party at Matumi Golf Lodge

Matumi Golf Lodge held a festive Christmas party for the children of Huis Betlehem (Mbombela and White River) and another safe haven over the weekend, complete with a bouncing castle, lots of presents, and of course a visit from Father Christmas.

The party was set up on the lush green lawn of the lodge, with Christmas decorations and a gazebo with chairs and blankets for the children and adults to sit under and eat.

Huis Betlehem is a safe haven for children, with one house in Mbombela and another in White River. Each has a house mother who looks after and cares for all the children.

The organisation has been in operation for over two decades.

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“Huis Betlehem is a place of safety where children are given a safe space until they are either placed with a caregiver or are able to go back and live with their parents,” said Huis Betlehem’s Mariaan Lourens.

“The number of children at each house fluctuates. The idea is to give these children a home environment and some stability,” she said.

The events included a visit from Zippy the Clown, face painting, food delivered from Spur, some treats from Milky Lane, and swimming in the lodge’s pool.

Rev JZ de Jager opened the event, while Etienne Carey did the acknowledgements and a raffle for the sponsors, which included a weekend at Matumi Golf Lodge for two people. The winner was Des Hoffman of Steelwings.

The highlight of the day, however, was when Father Christmas came to deliver the presents to the children in a Hi-Tech ambulance.

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Father Christmas told the children that his reindeer had been stuck in a roadblock and Hi-Tech’s emergency services vehicle was kind enough to give him a lift.

Each of the safe havens was also given a brand-new gas braai.

One of the organisers of the event, Annelieze Carey, said there were several sponsors for the event, including businesses and individuals.

“The day would not have been possible without our sponsors. We are very grateful,” she said.

“It is amazing to see how many people opened their hearts and helped to make this Christmas party a day
the children will remember for years to come.”