Cubs and Community members share Christmas spirit
“The support is phenomenal, as a non-profit organisation we rely on the help of the community a lot.”
This community does not wait to be asked for things to happen. They get up and do it themselves.
The NEWS was overwhelmed to learn that the Christmas presents to be handed out at the annual Christmas party for the children at Pinocchio Educare Centre, Child Welfare – SA Edenvale and Bedfordview, were already taken care of by community members who took it upon themselves to start the collection drive. The 11th annual Christmas party for learners at Pinocchio will be held on December 3.
Most of the loyal sponsors have again pledged their commitment to the project. Chairperson of Child Welfare – SA Edenvale and Bedfordview Pieter Le Roux said the Christmas presents collection drive was initiated by his neighbours, Simone Lobetti and Michelle Kleer. They asked the residents to contribute to the drive in preparation for this year’s party.
Once off the ground, the drive was joined by the First St Benedict’s Cub Pack.
Pack Scouter Alison Odgers said the Cub Pack was approached by Michelle towards the end of October.
She said the 50 strong Cub Pack members jumped at the opportunity to lend a helping hand.
Parents of Cubs either bought and donated gifts to the drive or contributed towards the purchase of gifts.
“Every year we choose various charities and community projects to support,” said Alison.
Besides working with charities and community projects each year, the pack works on Christmas charity initiatives. The collection drive formed part of the project.
Some of the community interactions the pack had this year included:
• Drinking tea and playing board games with residents of Rand Aid’s Thembalami Care Centre.
• Raising money for the Save the Rhino initiative.
• Making activity packs which promote fine motor skills for a local nursery school.
Alison said the pack was hoping to donate activity packs to the educentre
They include puzzles, shape building and colour coordination activities, among others.
“Our community projects are important to us,” said Alison.
“We are happy to be helping and making a difference.”
Alison said this year’s Christmas charity project differed slightly to those held previously.
She said although the pack was still making a difference, its projects is usually focused on children being more involved.
The pack collected over 30 presents which the Cubs wrapped on November 8.
Vice-chairperson of the welfare Nikki van der Walt said the organisation was very appreciative of the support from Edenvale and Bedfordview.
“The support is phenomenal. As a non-profit organisation we rely a lot on the help of the community.”
In her opinion, it was great that the Cub Pack decided to get involved and assist with the drive.
“It is a great idea that children help other children,” said Nikki.
She said the annual Christmas party is a special day for the children at the educentre.
“The children will have an absolute ball and it is a nice farewell party for the Grade R learners who will be leaving the school.”
Phone 011 452 5940 to learn how you can assist Child Welfare SA – Edenvale and Bedfordview.
