Emerald surprises over 200 orphans in the Vaal

VANDERBIJLPARK.- This past week Emerald Resort & Casino hosted over 200 youngsters from orphanages across the Vaal and surprised them with a Christmas party at Aquadome while also taking the opportunity to donate a new pair of school shoes to each child.

“This year in particular has affected us all deeply in some way or another, but there are those that have been impacted even more harshly, none more so than orphaned Vaal children,” says Gloria Mokoana, Learning & Development Manager at Emerald Resort & Casino.

“Not only do these kids deserve to get spoiled every so often, but it is important to ensure that they do not feel left out when returning to school next year!”

To make their year just that little bit more bearable, Emerald Resort & Casino hosted a Christmas party for over 200 of these underprivileged kids from local orphanages based in Vanderbijlpark, Bophelong, Sebokeng and Sharpville at the Resort’s popular indoor waterpark – the Aquadome. Orphanages included Lochvaal Emfuleni, Relebohile Children’s Home, Bophelong Children’s home, Haemona Childrens Home, Matwala Children’s Home, Childline, Good Hope Care Centre and VGSA.

Which child does not love to swim and play in the pool? At Aquadome, no matter their ability, the kids were spoilt for choice, water slides past an old ship wreck, a long slow drift in the lazy river and the shallow pools. At the party, and looked after by some amazing lifeguards and the Emerald team, the kids were spoiled with lunch, swimming and time on the jumping castles before each child was presented with a brand-new pair of school shoes.

“It was a special time to see their faces light up and really enjoying themselves at Aquadome,” concludes Gloria.

“Many people take the small necessities, like shoes, and just being able to play in a safe environment for granted and we were pleased to able to bring some Christmas cheer to the kids.”