KLOOF resident, Colette van Heerden, recently decided to celebrate her birthday with a twist. 
Instead of hosting a birthday party for herself with friends and family, she organised a party for 40 underprivileged children living in the Stockville Valley informal settlement. 
“I read a blog entitled How do you celebrate your birthday when you are homeless? which got me thinking about the children from disadvantaged communities, and how they do not get to celebrate their birthdays the way we do. I decided that I did not want a party for myself and that I wanted to celebrate my birthday by giving to the children,” said Colette. 
Collete requested a list of children under ten and their wishlist with things that they wanted or needed from Lucky Khumalo, a representative of the Stockville informal settlement. She then contacted family and friends, asking them to donate either money or other donations, rather than buying her gifts in celebration of her birthday.
Netcare 911, Ackermans Hillcrest and Dynamic In-store Promotions also provided some donations. 
Through their donations Colette was able to organise the party at the NG Church in Kloof, where the children were treated to a jumping castle, sweets, cake, new clothes, shoes, toys and other small items.