JOHANNESBURG – Some 250 underprivileged children from seven homes were treated to an awesome day out at the Turffontein Racecourse.
Phumelela’s Christmas Tree was held on Wednesday, December 11 at the Racecourse and the children started their festive season with joy and excitement.
The children will enjoyed a full afternoon’s entertainment including face painting, pony rides, a dancing competition and jumping castles in the Christmas Tree enclosure next to the parade ring as well as a ride on the ponies.
They were also treated to a Christmas dinner at the Turffontein Room where Father Christmas gave each of them a Christmas present, some toiletries and a small bag of goodies for the journey home.
The Christmas Tree doesn’t end there. As normal, the participating homes have been asked to compile wish lists of much-needed appliances and other items like bedding. With the help of sponsors and other donations, Phumelela expects it to be possible to provide the homes with most, if not all, of the items they have wished for.
In addition, R30 000 from the proceeds will be set aside for a college bursary, to be awarded by Phumelela, in conjunction with St Laurence’s Children’s Haven, for one of the children to further their studies in 2014.
The participating homes were Abraham Kriel Childcare, Sparrow Ministries, St Mary’s Children’s Home, the Look Forward Creativity Centre, the Love Of Christ Children’s Home, the Teddy Bear Clinic and the St Laurence’s Children’s Haven, which plays a key role in assisting and organising the event.
