With a toe strut, flick and swivel, members of the Dancing Boots line dancing club, in Boksburg, brought festive cheer to local children’s homes.
The group gained fame late last year when 12 of its members bared it all in a risqué 2025 calendar, in an effort to raise funds for East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly known as Hospice East Rand.
This year they tuffed their tassels and clicked their boots, creating individually packed Christmas boxes for the children living in the care of Benoni’s East Rand Children’s Haven and Kids Haven as well as Kuselo Child and Youth Care Service in Boksburg.
From November 27 to December 5, the boot-scooting dancers visited the organisations to spread Christmas cheer.
“Our members are some of the most caring individuals you have ever met,” said Debbie Botha, Dancing Boots owner and instructor.
“Given the success of last year’s project, we decided to again extend a helping hand to our community.”
“We were able to collect a total of 36 gifts which were lovingly packed for identified children and a further R3 200 worth of cash donations were secured.”
Labelled, wrapped and adorned with a message of hope, 20 boxes were delivered to the East Rand Childrens Haven and while the remaining 16 were gifted to the teenage boys, currently in the care of Kids Haven.
“The monetary donations were used to purchase items needed by Kuselo as well as treats for the children,” she said.
“It was so rewarding to watch the children’s faces light up when they received a gift specifically for them. I am proud to be part of a group who not only find joy in dancing but also in selflessly helping others.”
Kuselo’s operations manager, Ebbiegail Kramm, thanked the dancers for their donation saying that it was a great privilege to be identified as beneficiaries.
“Funding for life’s little extras is scarce, we are truly blessed,” she said.
Annie Maboea, in-care manager at Kids Haven, said she could not wait to see the teenage boys’ faces when they receive their gifts.
“These children are incredibly special, we appreciate the group’s efforts in acknowledging them is such a kind way,” she said.
