West Christmas project starting early
“We aim to reach 25 000 children and elderly people through the project,” he said.
Planning began early this year for a unique annual event in the west of Pretoria that lights up many a child’s face during the festive season.
And this year the team promises the Christmas project will be bigger and better, said spokesperson Xander Loubser.
He said the project will officially kick off on 17 December.
“This year we will add an additional area,” he said.
Loubser said a group that is part of the committee will also for the first time this year visit hospitals and old age homes on day seven of the project.
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“This gesture is to take Father Christmas to the people who did not previously have a chance to come out to see the parade,” he said.
He was thankful for the committee’s devotion.
“They give up a whole week before Christmas. That is usually time for family, but they still make time available for the project,” he said.
Loubser said they need a minimum amount of R100 000 to make their dream a reality this year.
He said R18 000 is already available.
“[But] it is still far away from our goal,” he said.
He said any sponsors or donations will be welcomed.
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Loubser said everything they did not have in December they will buy themselves.
He said there will be an ambulance with flashing-lights again.
Every year residents drive through the streets of Pretoria with a parade of flashing lights distributing made-up parcels for children and the elderly.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the project.
“We aim to reach 25 000 children and elderly people through the project,” he said.
This year the group will cover Danville, Daspoort, Booysens, Claremont, Hermanstad, Pretoria Tuine, Mountain View, Lady Selbourne, Suiderberg, Wolmer and for the first time Mayville, Parktown and Roseville.
“These parcels are not just distributed to the community – we do it with gusto,” he said.
“With the support of the community’s emergency services, sirens of hope and a colourful season that follows; we can distribute these parcels to the community and warm their hearts.”
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Loubser said the parcels and towel bags (vadoeksakke) are packed by hand and “every knot is made with love”.
“We cannot continue this project if it were not for the constant support from our businesses, community and sponsors,” he said.
“Of course there is also our loyal Christmas project committee.”
The committee meets regularly to discuss the project.
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