Stewarts & Lloyds spreads festive cheer

Last year Stewarts & Lloyds branches went all out to bring much-needed festive cheer to the people and charities in the communities in which they operate.

December is often an exciting and fun-filled month for South Africans, yet, for many children and vulnerable people throughout the country, gifts under the Christmas tree is usually scarce on Christmas Day. The Stewarts & Lloyds Christmas drive aimed to change that for the better.

The year 2021 had been full of challenges and some real hardships for many, especially those who rely on the help of others to survive. That is why Stewarts & Lloyds as a whole decided to do something extra special and reach out to the individual charities the branches work with and organise personalised gifts off a wish list for every resident at the charities.

From orphans to the elderly, and even some animal charities, Stewarts & Lloyds branches across the country not only raised the funds to purchase the gifts for the beneficiaries but also wrapped them and took care to label the boxes and presents with each resident’s name.

Over 700 people received personalised gift boxes and gift bags from the various branches. Gifts included all the requested essentials, from toothpaste to socks to more exciting items such as bicycles, dolls and new clothes.

Some of the staff of Stewarts & Lloyds dressed up as elves and Santas and turned their trucks into gigantic Santa sleighs. Many of the children in the homes and charities that were reached had never received a gift before or even seen Santa making this a magical experience for all. To truly understand the impact of this drive, one must mention the amazing work that these various charities do.

The Tree of Hope, which has been the charity of choice for the Wynberg branch of Stewarts & Lloyds, takes in abandoned babies by providing a safe drop-off box for mothers who need to drop off their babies anonymously. Some of these mothers have endured horrific abuse and sexual violence and have no way of caring for their babies, while others are often the victims of drugs or homelessness.

The Vereeniging branch chose to help out Lerato Child and Youth centre that cares for abused and abandoned children in and around Meyerton in Gauteng. These children often come from terrible circumstances and have never had a stable home.

The Cape Town branch assisted Lofdal International Pikinini House with 28 gifts for children who would otherwise never see a present.

Boksburg went a little outside the box and chose to surprise the people of Jerigo Oord camp, who live very poorly as squatters, as well as the Brits branch that also reached out and surprised the people of Purple Moss informal settlement. The circumstances that these people endure, including children, are extremely trying, living in tin shacks with no amenities or even running water is a norm for them.

The Booysens branch made little Stewarts & Lloyds backpacks for the children of the Cradle of Hope, filled with stationery and essentials such as shoes. The Louis Botha Children’s Home in Pretoria also received support from the Pretoria branch which put together 100 beautifully wrapped gifts for the children.

The Polokwane team reached another 100 children of the Piet Hugo Primary School and gave these underprivileged children brand-new stationery packs and goodies for the new year. Stewarts & Lloyds Kimberley decided to brighten up this festive season for the elderly of the ACVV Ons Huis.

Many more organisations benefitted from the generosity of staff at the Stewarts & Lloyds branches and the business has undertaken to help many more throughout 2022. Residents can have a look at what the various branches did for this Christmas Charity Drive and vote for your favourite at www.stewartsandlloyds.co.za/charities/