The spirit of Christmas shone brightly in Pretoria North on December 6, as the annual Santa Drive once again delivered joy, unity and compassion to thousands of children.

Gates opened at 09:30, but preparations began as early as 07:00, with volunteers setting up opposite the Pretoria North Court in Emily Hobhouse Street.

What followed was a day filled with games, laughter, pancakes, popcorn, and ultimately, gift packs and food parcels lovingly handed out to the children around midday.

For the organisers, the Santa Drive is far more than just an event, as it is a year-long mission, rooted deeply in community service and compassion.

According to Rene de Witt of the NPC Santa Chosen Soldiers, the vision behind the initiative has always been about uplifting children and strengthening unity.

“We do it every year. From March, we start organising, getting donations and getting people to help us. Last year we did 5 000 children. This year we are at 7 000. It’s everybody, the community. I even have a client from Portugal who donated to this event,” she said.

Beyond the Santa Drive, De Witt’s organisation continues helping vulnerable groups throughout the year.

“We collect clothes, curtains, glassware, toys, sanitary items, body wash, everything. In the middle of the year, we visit old-age homes to give back there too,” she said.

She said the message of the festive season is simple but powerful. “It doesn’t matter who you are, you can always take hands to make things better.”

De Witt also shared heartfelt gratitude to all those who made the day possible.

“Out of my heart, I love them a lot. I’m coming a long way with some CPF members, but without them, this event wouldn’t be possible.

“We start with what we want to do for the day, then we go to the CPF. We also have the bikers’ community involved. We send requests to radio stations for items we need,” she said.

“From there, we draw up a list of sweets, cool drinks, food, and then go to our partners, which are CPF, Inka Riders, bike clubs, and everyone. Together, we put everything together as one, and this is what you see today.”

The Pretoria North CPF once again played a vital role in supporting the event.

Dawn Kellerman of the Pretoria North CPF said they partnered with Santa Chosen Soldiers because they wanted to assist and strengthen the collaborative spirit of the festive season.

“We weren’t going to do a Christmas drive this year, but we asked them what they needed and what the community needed, and we helped from there.

“We want more members, more active members, and more people joining the CPF. We are here today to show people that the CPF works with the community. We are not just one part; there are many parts that must join to make a good CPF.”

She also shared a strong festive-season safety message: “Safety comes first. Always check where you are going. Don’t leave valuables inside your vehicle or visible from outside. That’s how robberies and break-ins happen. And drive safe; don’t drink and drive. Be a good citizen.”

Maximum Security also offered its support and presence on the day.

Speaking on their behalf, Marie Labuschagne, HR representative, said their message to the community is one of unity and reassurance.

“We want the community to know we are always there to assist, whether you are a client or not. We assist everybody. Pretoria North must stand and work together. We need to be a good example for the whole community.”

For the biking community, the day held deep meaning. Representing Inka Riders, Elize Botha said their participation stems from a desire to give back.

“Many people don’t have much. Each and every one of them deserves this. All I can say is that God loves them, and they must take care of themselves.”

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to [email protected] 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 or WhatsApp Channel