Christmas Harvest Fest brings community together

Council for the Aged Kempton Park hosted its annual Christmas Harvest Fest fundraising event on November 7, bringing the community together in support of the older persons in its care.

Tarryn Shaw, the organisation’s marketing and fundraising coordinator, said the Christmas market was its biggest fundraiser of the year.

“The Christmas market is our biggest fundraiser of the year. It’s where we can hopefully raise enough funds to care for those who once cared for us,” said Shaw.

ALSO READ: Bonaero Park Primary learners join Lethabo Festival celebrations

She explained that the event was about more than raising funds. It aimed to create a special occasion that brought people together, celebrated community spirit and reminded older persons that they were valued, loved and never forgotten.

For Shaw, working at Council for the Aged Kempton Park had provided an opportunity to be part of a community filled with people whose lives, experiences, memories and contributions deserved to be celebrated.

She said one of the highlights of the festival was seeing the residents’ smiles as the grounds came alive with music, laughter and entertainment, while different generations came together to enjoy the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories.

Although considerable work went into planning the event, approaching sponsors, engaging stallholders and coordinating entertainment, Shaw said seeing everything come together made the effort worthwhile.

ALSO READ: Bonaero Park Primary learners showcase poetry at Lethabo Festival

This year’s festival also featured a partnership with TAG Animal Guardians, bringing an additional focus to animal welfare.

Shaw said the partnership provided an opportunity to raise awareness about the organisation’s furry companions and give them a voice. She added that compassion extended beyond people to the animals who shared their lives.

The organisation thanked its sponsors and partners, Motus Bedfordview, BOSSA Glen Marais, URM Security, Mugg & Bean Woodbridge and AfriForum, for their generosity and support.

Shaw also extended her appreciation to board chairman Mark Rorich, who officially opened the festivities, as well as the Kempton Park Pipe Band and DJ Paul Smith for contributing to the day’s entertainment and atmosphere.

She thanked the stallholders, entertainers, volunteers, residents, families and everyone who contributed their time, resources and talents to make the event possible.

ALSO READ: Herfsland Home festival celebrates community spirit

“At its heart, the Christmas Harvest Fest is about giving, and every contribution helps continue creating meaningful experiences and supporting the needs and well-being of older persons in their care,” she said.

“I believe that growing older should never mean growing invisible. Our older persons deserve to be celebrated, included and given opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest,” said Shaw.

She added that the event’s success should not be measured by the number of stalls, visitors or funds raised, but by the happiness it brought to residents and the reminder that they remained part of a caring community.

“Because Christmas is not simply about what we receive; it is about what we give, the memories we create and the people and animals whose lives we touch along the way. That is the true heart of the Allen Park Christmas Harvest Fest,” she said.

Among the vendors was Rona Swanepoel, who has sold her handmade doll clothes at the market every year since it began. She said her inspiration came naturally and evolved with changing fashion trends.

As a pensioner, selling her creations at markets provided her with some additional income, while she also enjoyed the friendly atmosphere.
Resident Marilyn Fourie also showcased her handmade bracelets and earrings. She said the market was about meeting different people and enjoying the various vibes.