MASOYI – There is nothing more uplifting than seeing the sheer delight and sometimes bewilderment on the faces of deserving children when Rotary’s Father Christmas arrives.

The jolly red giant, Netto Maluka, recently made his annual rounds dispensing fun, cheer, excitement and gifts to children of various charity homes. These included Masoyi Special Care Centre, Uthando Place of Safety, Millenium Home of Hope, the Lula Centre and other childrens’ refuges in KaBokweni and KaNyamazane.

Organiser Ms Liz Mackintosh, said that about 200 children were entertained and received presents. “We also have some fun especially for the older children, with gift packs, balloons and special cakes which are supplied by Rotarians and pupils from Uplands College. In fact, many of the gifts are donated and wrapped by Upland parents.” Helpers and carers joined in the party with the 75 children with special needs at Masoyi and 90 orphans at the Lula Centre.

Father Christmas arrived with a booming “Ho!Ho!Ho!”, began singing in their own language and encouraging them to dance along with the music. Like the Pied Piper, they obediently queued and followed him as the bags of gifts were distributed.

“I defy anyone not to be moved by these occasions,” said Father Christmas’ little helper, Brian Hyson, whose face turned puce from inflating balloons. “The young ones are exceptionally well behaved as they wait patiently and, quite miraculously, refrain from ripping the paper off their gifts.

It is actually humbling to witness.” Masoyi Centre manager, Ms Lucy Ngobeni and her care team, also received handbags crammed with soaps and ladies’ goodies – the brainchild of Rotary Ann’s Penny Boden.