Hayani celebrates Christmas memories
ORANGE GROVE - WITH the new year in full swing, children and caregivers at Hayani give thanks to those who provided its vulnerable children with joyous Christmas memories.

‘Mother Mary’ Mudau, founder and administrator of the Hayani support project for the destitute, has expressed thanks to the many community members who helped make lasting Christmas memories for the children under her care. Mudau, who voluntarily cares for destitute and vulnerable children from the project’s base in 12th Street, Orange Grove, enlisted the help of local businesses and community organisations to throw a festive braai for her charges at Gillooly’s Farm on 20 December.
Geoff Samuel, Norwood Community Policing Forum Sector 4 Crime Forum chair, cooked up a feast on his braai, while the children enjoyed their first picnic and made the most of the open space and park amenities. Although a storm threatened, no rain came to spoil the fun, and a happy, tired bunch of kids returned home to sit around the manger, decorate the Christmas tree, and excitedly open their gifts.
Mudau extended her gratitude not only to Samuel and his team, but also Margaret and Stella from the Coronation Day Nursery, members of the Victoria Orange West Residents’ Association, the vicar and organist from St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Andersons Coffee Shop and Shoe Fanatics. It was the time, generous donations of food and wonderful gifts – not to mention the kind donation of a Christmas tree and nativity scene – that made this day such a resounding success.
After a suitable merry festive season, the children gently packed up the nativity scene and Christmas tree on the 12th day of Christmas, 6 January, and put them away in anticipation of another joyous Christmas.