Kloof resident spreads birthday cheer

KLOOF resident, Colette Van Heerden, decided to mark her 40th birthday, by throwing a birthday party for some of the children of Stockville Valley Informal Settlement.

“After reading a blog entitled “How do you celebrate your birthday when you are homeless?” I thought about how people who are living on the breadline never get to mark these special occasions, so I decided I would like to spend my 40th birthday giving rather than receiving, specifically to the underprivileged children in my community,” explained Colette.

“Given the high level of poverty in our country, majority of South Africa’s children do not get to celebrate their birthday. There is no pile of presents waiting next to their bed when they get up, no birthday cake to take to school, and no party with balloons and tasty treats.”

After requesting a ‘wish list’ from 40 under 10 children in the informal settlement, Colette got to work, contacting friends both locally and abroad, and asking them to give money or donations in lieu of gifts for her 40th birthday.

She was overwhelmed by the response. “Most of the items on their wish lists were school shoes and clothing. Everyone was extremely generous. We even managed to get assistance from Netcare 911 and Ackermans Hillcrest and also a donation from Dynamic In-store Promotions,” said Colette.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, 14 May, Colette and some of her friends held the party at the NG Church Krantzkloof in Kloof for the children. The children played on a jumping castle and jungle gym and were given cake and other delicious party treats. They were delighted with their gifts and given home party packs filled with goodies to take home.

“It was wonderful to see the big smiles on the kids’ faces,” said Colette. “Throwing a birthday party for 40 kids who haven’t had a party before is definitely the best way of celebrating a birthday. I want to thank everyone who donated and especially for the enthusiastic support.”