Christmas cheer for children
JOBURG – I am not from a wealthy family, but we never went without anything. My parents saw to that.
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church hosted a Christmas party for more than 200 children in December.
The children were from the Denver, Mangolongolo and Jumpas informal settlements, Duduzwane home and surrounds.
Organiser and church member Sharon Da Silva said the church wanted to give the children something special for Christmas.
“I feed the children at Jumpas every Wednesday with very little,” she said. “I wanted them to have a day where they can get away from their living conditions and spoil them. Most of all to let them know they are all special.
“My parents did the utmost to ensure that my brothers and I had a decent upbringing,” Da Silva added. “I am not from a wealthy family, but we never went without anything. My parents saw to that. I just wanted the youngsters to be spoilt for a day.”
The children were entertained by a magician before having their lunch. Each child received a Christmas present, a party pack as well as a plush toy or bear pillow to take home which were sponsored by Mary Swanapoel and Maria Da Silva.
Da Silva said she hopes the church will host the Christmas party every year.
“I would like to thank Father Tony, our parish priest, for allowing the event to take place. I would also like to send my gratitude to parishioners who donated and who went the extra mile to make the day a success. Lastly a special thanks to the church charity, SVDP youth and mentors who assisted on the day,” she said.
