Journalist celebrates birthday with children

Every year, EXPRESS reporter and musician Tumelo ‘Melo’ Tshetlo chooses a charity to give back to in celebration of her birthday.

She has a soft spot for children and young women and chooses an organisation based on this criteria.

Tshetlo then invites friends to also give of their time and join her in spreading love, cheer, laughter, inspiration and words of wisdom at the charity of choice.

During her giving back project last year, she was joined by the Van Dyk Park Community Patrolling Initiative (CPI) chairperson, Sherese Brink and the Boksburg Ward 31 Clr Shauné le Roux.

“Last year I visited Igugulethu in Boksburg, a temporary place of safety for children aged zero to 12 years, who have been taken away from their homes pending a court case. We spent a few hours with the children, painting their faces and playing with them, it was a fulfilling experience” she said.

The centre she said is funded by government and does not accept donations but emphasises contact with the children.

Tshetlo’s birthday is on February 26, and this year she has chosen to celebrate her special day at the Tembisa Child Welfare in Tembisa.

“I would like to do this every year and encourage others to also do good and give to those in need on their birthdays,” she added.

The welfare houses almost 80 children aged zero to 21 years and is in need of food, clothing and monetary donations towards the children’s well-being.

She is appealing to the community of Kempton Park to assist her in this annual birthday giving back initiative by donating non-perishable goods and any other items which will be handed over to the welfare on Saturday, March 7.

Tshetlo also appeals to business owners who would like to donate food packs or any goodies towards the birthday party to also assist in this regard.

Residents are invited to come and spend time playing with the underprivileged children on the day.

Donations may be brought to the Kempton Express offices at 30 Voortrekker Road, Kempton Park.

“The children and I will definitely appreciate any donations made no matter how small or big they are.”