Minisha Patel, marketing manager of Jacaranda FM said: “The Carols by Candlelight initially started over a decade ago because the radio station wanted to give back to the community, and thank their listeners for ongoing support.”
Co-sponsor Spar also wanted to show their gratitude towards clients who keep supporting them with unending loyalty.
“The only ‘entrance fee’ required was a toy. All the toys will be distributed to about 10 different beneficiaries such as the Child Welfare Tshwane, Heartbeat and Hanna organisations,” she said.
“The goal with collecting all of these toys is so that less fortunate children can also experience the magic of Christmas.”
Approximately 20 000 people attended the event, dropping off toys, socialising, laughing and talking while Christmas fever was tangible in the air.
Children had a feast with fantasy characters walking around and handing out gifts, flashing toys, and a kiddie’s corner sponsored by Spar with face painting and a jumping castle.
Jacaranda FM hosted a competition for school choirs over the past few weeks searching for one choir to sing alongside top acts on stage at the Pretoria event.
The Jacaranda FM and Spar Carols by Candlelight was an absolute majestic evening to enjoy together as a nation, taking some well-deserved time off from a busy and eventful 2016 to truly acknowledge the wonder and joy of another hot South African Christmas season.