Phumelela Christmas Tree for underprivileged children

SOME 250 underprivileged children from various homes were treated to a Christmas tree at Turffontein Racecourse.

The annual Phumelela Christmas Tree took place on Tuesday December 2 at Turffontein Racecourse.

Phumelela Gaming, in conjunction with TAB, Racing It’s A Rush and generous sponsors and donors brought much-needed festive season excitement and joy into the lives of some 250 underprivileged children from five homes .

The children enjoyed a full afternoon’s entertainment including face painting, pony rides, jumping castles and a “So you think you can dance” competition in the special Christmas tree enclosure next to the parade ring.

They were treated to dinner in the Aquanaut Room and 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 usual, the participating homes have been asked to complete wish lists of much-needed appliances and other items, such as bedding. With the help of race and table sponsors and other donors, Phumelela provided the homes with most, if not all, of the items they have requested.

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 2015.

The participating homes were Abraham Kriel Childcare, Alberton Christian Fellowship, St Mary’s Children’s Home, the Look Forward Creativity

Centre, the Love of Christ Children’s Home and the St Laurence’s Children’s Haven, which played a key role in assisting and organising the event. St Laurence’s, in addition to their own children, also brought underprivileged children from the Vrededorp area.

Phumelela Gaming would like to thank everybody who has contributed towards the 2014 Christmas tree.

Race sponsors comprise Mike de Kock Racing, The Citizen, Betting World, Drakenstein Stud, Investec, Martin Collins, The Racing Association, Bidvest and Mark Khan/Prosport Int. Event and table sponsors, donors and those who have provided their services free of charge are Andrea Barker, Julie Alexander, Boswell Wilkie Events, Mark Currie, Business Actioneering, Coca-Cola Canners, OWA Ceilings, Carryon Projects, Pravin Chetty, Comaro CHRONICLE, Southern COURIER, Doug Ford Signs, Recall Security, Events 360, Rockola, EMS Medical Services, Rowl’s Electrical, Game, Supreme Trading, Gerald King, Times Media, Isizwe Hospitality and Videovision Entertainment.