11th annual Jakaranda ‘Liggiefees’ event cancelled
"We would like to appeal to the public to hear our outcry for financial assistance."
The Jakaranda Children’s Home annual “Liggiesfees” will not be taking place this year, as the centre did not get the necessary approval.
The festival is usually held in December, but due to not receiving the necessary legal approval required for such a public event, the 11th annual festival had to be cancelled.
“This places the children’s home in an even bigger dire financial situation,” said recently appointed CEO Charlene Grobler.
The annual Liggiefees would have covered the children’s home’s financial loss at the end of each financial year, in March 2021.
“The home has many fundraising initiatives that run continuously for items such as food, cleaning material and toiletries but goods in kind do not cover the day-to-day running costs of such an enormous operation.
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“The last school term is always the hardest time for the children and staff, with exam times and to see if their hard work throughout the year has paid off,” said Grobler.
“The children always look forward to putting up the lights, it brings them joy, comfort and a sense of security. Now we had to put the lights away and start preparing for an uncertain future.”
A decade ago, Jakaranda Children’s Home decided to give the children in their care the promising gift of a magical festive season filled with lights, love and laughter.
They started off with one home being decorated with hundreds of lights for them to enjoy.
Ten years later, the Jakaranda Liggiefees has grown into one of the most successful light festivals in Talitha Kumi Street in East Lynn, Pretoria.
Each of their 20 homes are decorated with “millions of lights”.
“These children come from undesirable and unhealthy circumstances and the home takes pride in ensuring that they have everything that they need to become responsible adults and prepare them for the outside world.
“With over 60 000 visitors to the Liggiefees each year, the children’s home would like to reach out to their supporters for any financial assistance to help keep their doors open.
“We would like to appeal to the public to hear our outcry for financial assistance,” said head of marketing Karin Berriman.
“It has been a traumatic time for all but we ask you to please help us to keep the lights on so that we can continue to raise and care for our 223 children,” Berriman said.
Should you wish to make a difference use the secure donation option via the website at www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/jakarandakinderhuis or contact the marketing department on 012-800-4700 or Berriman directly on 073-844-9266.
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