Night of lights unites White River residents
According to Mr Hilton Barnett of the organisation, the event goes as far as enriching locals in their different businesses. "We are trying to get people to support local businesses in order to grow the town," he said.
WHITE RIVER – Chief Mgiyeni Khumalo Drive came alive on Tuesday night as “We are White River” and council switched on the town’s festive lights.
We are White River aims to make it a tradition that residents converge every year for a get-together during the festive season to have a great time.
It also wants to get locals to promote one another and make White River a beautiful town.
Local business people also came in numbers to put up their stalls and sell products to the attendees. Some of the proceeds were donated to charity organisations in the town.
According to Mr Hilton Barnett of the organisation, the event goes as far as enriching locals in their different businesses. “We are trying to get people to support local businesses in order to grow the town,” he said.
Hilton added that the idea was to promote White River and develop local tourism to the benefit of all residents.
The organisation also hosts an event called “White River Conversations” whereby the residents meet and talk about strategies to develop the area.
He also mentioned that although the event was organised in a very short space of time, many people rallied behind the idea and attended. The scenery also created an opportunity for families to spend time together as they were treated to performances by the Casterbridge Music Development Academy (CMDA).
Mr Jose Manuel De Aguiar, music coach at CMDA, said they were excited to form part of this inaugural event. “It feels good supporting a cause that makes a difference in other people’s lives, there’s satisfaction in all that,” he added.
The Rotary Club of Nelspruit also attended to sell food. The proceeds will go to less-privileged communities.
