IN PICS: Heartwarming Christmas party brings joy to kids
Children from Siyabusiswa and Linanithemba enjoyed a Christmas celebration hosted by Hillcrest High School and the eThekwini Fire Department.
THE Christmas Party hosted by the Hillcrest High School Interact Club, in partnership with the eThekwini Fire Department – A Platoon, Western Region, was a heartwarming celebration filled with joy and excitement for children from the Valley of a 1000 Hills.
The party was held for the children from Siyabusiswa Children’s Home in KwaNyuswa and Linanithemba NPO in Molweni. Families from Hillcrest High School and the Fire Department also joined the festivities, creating a fun-filled community gathering.
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According to Megan Leppan from Hillcrest High School, the goal was to create more of a family day, which is why staff members and their families were also invited. She explained that the school has hosted a Christmas party for Siyabusiswa for several years, but this time they wanted to make it extra special.
“This year, we decided to go the extra mile and partnered with the Fire Department, who also host an annual Christmas party for orphans. They wanted to bless even more children, so we asked for 10 youngsters from Linanithemba, an NPO in Molweni that falls under the Ladybird Foundation,” she said.
Before heading to the Pinetown Fire House, the children were treated to a delicious breakfast at the Eldorado Spur in Hillcrest.
When the children arrived at the fire station, they were beaming with smiles and excitement. They came carrying spare clothes and towels, ready for a day of fun. They were welcomed with goodie bags which they barely finished as they enjoyed the inflatables, water slide and foam fun.
The day was made even more magical with special visitors, including ponies for the children to ride, local bikers, and Santa Claus, who arrived in a fire engine. Every child received a personalised gift from Father Christmas, which was sponsored by the Hillcrest High School Interact Club which fundraised for the party expenses during the year.
Between games, the children enjoyed face painting by former Hillcrest learner Noah Raath, while another past learner, Alex Grove-Mitchell, provided music for the event. They were treated to cakes, juice, and later, a lunch, before receiving another goodie bag before heading home.
Leppan expressed heartfelt thanks to the Fire Department for their partnership and for helping create unforgettable memories.
“I would also like to thank Eldorado Spur Hillcrest for providing breakfast, and Bluff Meat Supplies for assisting with food for the party in Pinetown.”
Thembi Mtakwende, founder of Siyabusiswa Orphanage, said the children are always eager to attend the annual Christmas party each year.
“It is their favourite day. They always come back excited and carrying gifts. I’m sure we will barely get any sleep tonight,” she said with a smile.
She extended her gratitude to Hillcrest High School, the Fire Department, and everyone involved.
“I would also like to thank Megan Leppan and Bryan Moffatt for their support, love, and care.”
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