This year, once again, Vaal Mall shoppers got inspiration for creative Christmas Tree decorations with the centre’s annual Christmas Tree Competition. A unique Christmas tree or table decoration using any material of your choice – whether recycled, upcycled, handmade or repurposed gave competitors a chance to win Vaal Mall gift cards! Up for grabs was R15,000 for the first prize winner, R10,000 for the runner-up and R5,000 for the third prize winner whose Christmas tree caught the judges’ eye. Other than the height requirement, the only limit was the competitors’ imagination.
This year, local Parys NPO organisations also entered – Epilepsy SA’s Free State North West Centre, the Parys River Clay project, and The Emunah Foundation.
The Parys River Clay Christmas tree design was based on the concept of paying homage to Parys – a creative Free State town situated like a jewel on The Vaal River. “The tree structure is a windmill (windpomp), an iconic symbol synonymous with the Free State farming community. The decorations are various types of beads and beading techniques – aroma beads, clay beads, glazed beads, loom- woven beads and beaded bracelets, which is a tribute to the beaded jewellery product of the Parys River Clay brand.”
“The neon colours show a nod to the flamboyancy and unexpected vibrancy that visitors encounter in Parys, which is still a small Free State dorpie at heart,” writes Keri Steyn.
Keri says the Epilepsy SA Christmas tree is symbolic of the struggles faced by those diagnosed with the condition. “The soft, white, cloudlike fabric of the interior of the tree symbolises the un- tapped inner potential of the epileptic person, free from spot. The wire mesh surround that forms the structure of the tree is symbolic of the cage or constraints/limitations that people with epilepsy face.” Keri explains the tree is decorated with images of “Flame” – the Epilepsy SA mascot, which personifies the ethos of Epilepsy SA as an organisation, i.e. to ignite the flame of potential. “The festive red Christmas stockings were made by members of Epilepsy SA’s skills development protected workshop and represent the steps taken to empower persons with epilepsy and other disabilities.”
