Underprivileged get taste of Christmas
“Seeing the smiles on their faces makes all of us happy.”
The Neo E Bonolo NPO spoilt hundreds of underprivileged children at its Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Christmas party at Isaac Makau Primary School in Wattville, recently.
Dressed in swimwear and summer clothing with their faces painted with their favourite superheroes, the children were treated to a delicious lunch while they enjoyed themselves on the slides and jumping castles, before receiving their Christmas goodie bags.
“We are spending the whole day with them because we know when they are here with us, they feel at home and those who are orphaned feel like they have their families with them,” said project manager and founder Elizabeth Maoeng.
The majority of the children under the organisation’s care come from abusive and neglectful households, some are orphans while others are from child-headed homes.
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Reflecting on the past few months, Maoeng explained that despite a tough year due to funding challenges faced by most organisations after the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) changed its funding approval procedures for NPOs, they still managed to continue their work.
“We had a tough year due to funding issues but God was able to protect us. We continued to do our job. Our children were provided with their daily meals and cared for every day,” she said.
Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces at the Christmas party warmed Maoeng’s heart and she vowed to continue making a difference in their lives next year.
“At the end of each year, we apply for the Santa Shoe Box so that the children could receive gifts and clothes. The majority of them don’t know wat it means to dress up for Christmas. Unfortunately, it’s the fourth year Santa Shoe Box isn’t approving us but we are giving up.
“Our board members and staff ensured that we push and end the year positively. We managed to get slides and jumping castles to make the children happy. Seeing the smiles on their faces makes all of us happy.”
She thanked the organisation’s board, staff and sponsors, as well as monitoring social worker, Landiwe Rasekwai-Mello, for their continued hard work and support.
“Thanks to all our donors for ensuring our OVC Christmas party is a great success. Tjanks to Kit Kat Benoni, Rebel, Woolworths Farrarmere, Be Blessed Bible Faith Church and Leethando Décor and Events.”
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