Queenswood: A community building something bigger than an event

What started as a small gesture of kindness after the darkest days of the Covid-19 pandemic has blossomed into one of the most meaningful community events in Pretoria: an annual Easter tradition that now unites hundreds and changes lives.

Back in 2020, three local moms, Angelyn Purchase, Bronwyn Fanfoni and Vanessa Fanfoni, decided to do something small but special for their children and a few others in the neighbourhood of Queenswood.

“There were only 24 kids that first year,” Purchase recalled. “Each parent brought what they could: Easter eggs, juice, chips and just a little something to lift everyone’s spirits and reconnect during those lonely, difficult times.”

Fast forward to 2025, and that little gathering has grown into a massive event hosting over 300 children.

This is thanks to a tight-knit community that has come together, year after year, to give without expecting anything in return.

This year, something extraordinary happened. Just days before the big Easter weekend, the park was overgrown: the grass was knee-high and no metro workers were in sight to help. But that did not stop the festivities.

“Freedom Front Plus councillor, Roche Gerber reached out to Eduplex, and they lent us a mower,” Purchase said.
“On the Thursday before Good Friday, with no metro workers, no staff being paid, the park was prepared. By the time I got home, there were at least 60 people in the park: kids, grannies, teenagers, and people with disabilities. They were all raking, cutting, and loading grass onto bakkies at their own cost. We just stood there crying. We joined in with happy tears. This is what real community looks like,” she said.

The idea has always been simple: include everyone, make it free, and create a space where every child feels seen, safe and loved.

“No one is left behind,” Purchase said. “That’s the heart of it. These kids know they’re not alone. They belong. And one day, they’ll give back too.”

The community’s approach is not just about celebration. It is about transformation.

“Since we started this, the children see police officers as friendly faces, not people to fear,” said Bronwyn Fanfoni. “We’re building real relationships. A network of trust and safety for them.”

This year, the Villieria Police Station officially joined the event, taking special care of the over-13 age group.

Police spokesperson Marinda Austin shared why it mattered.

“A community doesn’t stop at a certain age. Teens often feel excluded. Including them helped remind them that they are just as important, that they belong, and that they’re essential to the future of Queenswood too.”

The volunteer list is long and growing: Moot Projects, Mon Ami Safehouse, SAPS and the Community Policing Forum, Eagle Sishuba (who has helped since he was 15 and is now 19), and many more.

Each year, anonymous donors step forward, too. This year, they blessed the event with 3 000 Easter eggs and 150 juices.

Through it all, the core team keeps going.

“Every year is special to me,” said Vanessa Fanfoni. “It’s a way to show our kids love and joy. It’s about being there for one another, knowing your neighbours, and showing that love is something you can give freely.”

Pat Leahy, one of the early organisers, puts it simply: “Communities don’t do things like this for kids anymore. Especially not for free. Seeing the excitement on their faces, well, that’s priceless. And getting the whole community in one place? That’s magic.”

And yes, the Easter Bunny still makes an appearance, played by none other than Bronwyn Fanfoni.

“It’s more than a costume,” she said. “The bunny is a symbol of fun, but also sharing, caring, and connection, even with our safety personnel. It helps bridge that gap between authority and community in a joyful way.”

For the original team of three mothers and the growing team of volunteers, the Easter Egg Hunt has become much more than a once-a-year celebration.

“Everything costs something these days,” Angelyn reflects. “And that creates division, exclusion, and heartache. What we’re building here is the opposite. It is a place where people feel they matter, where they’re connected, where they belong. That’s how we build stronger kids. That’s how we build a future.”

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.