Mandela Day celebrated with fun and games
A day filled with fun, games and music at the Roodepoort Theatre
The early morning air was filled with the sound of children’s laughter, as they ran around with painted faces and decorated cupcakes during the recent family fun day held at the Roodepoort Theatre.
Family fun day was the theme of the Alexander Harvest Time Foundation’s annual Mandela Day celebration, where children from underprivileged communities throughout the Roodepoort area are given the opportunity to enjoy themselves.
This year’s celebrations incorporated a wellness testing programme from the Department of Health (Region C) offering free diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI) and various other tests, including pre- and post-test counselling.
Kofifi Media and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s ceremonial band ensured that everyone present – young or old – was entertained with music and dancing.
The children had a variety of activities to choose from, including decorating their own delicious cupcakes, having their faces painted to portray their favourite superhero, bouncing around on jumping castles and playing games.
Jill Alexander from the Alexander Harvest Time Foundation said the event is a great hit with everyone, and, since the first one, the number of children attending has gone up by at least 100. “Today, we have about 300 children attending, and it is such a blessing for us to be able to help them. Even if the number grows to 1 000 children, it won’t matter – the more the merrier!” she said, laughingly. The children received a food parcel, sweets and ice cream before going home.
Jill added that the Foundation is using the Civic Centre as a base for its various outreach programmes, but is on the lookout for a building of its own. “We also offer skills development workshops to empower people and help them to uplift themselves, but we also believe in job creation. You cannot empower people, and then just let them be on their way! If we have our own building, we can implement our computer training workshops as well,” she said.
Even though destitute women and children are closest to their hearts, they will not show anyone in need of help to the door. “Where there is a need, we will offer help and support. We all just need a little love and support, and it is wonderful to know we are able to put a smile on someone’s face,” she said, with a big smile on her own.
The Foundation also does outreach programmes for senior citizens whom they visit on an annual basis. “We do annual lunches where we spoil them a little bit, and give them a small gift. They love it when we visit them, as there are so many of them that are neglected with no support to speak of. They all just need a little love. We would love to do these visits on a monthly basis,” she said.
The Foundation can be contacted on 011 057 2194, via info@ahtf.org.za or by visiting the Facebook page.
Also read: Joburg City Theatres launch integrated brand
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
