Parkview Christmas Market raises R750 000 for charity
PARKVIEW – The money will be donated to the Nicarela Charity which supports over 30 beneficiaries.
The Parkview Christmas Market, which was held for the 11th time at the George Hay Park, raised R750 000 for the Nicarela Charity.
The charity provides support to more than 30 beneficiaries.
The organisers hoped to raise R1 million this year but a rained-out Saturday affected the attendance. Despite this, the market attracted 8 000 visitors over the weekend who were all keen to see what the market had to offer.
On display were handmade goods as well as various food and drink stalls.
Garreth Young, the chairman of Nicarela Charity said, “We have raised more than R5 million over the 11 years for our different beneficiaries. We are very grateful to all those who have supported the annual market – the exhibitors, the sponsors and the visitors.”
Young also added that Gearhouse, who have been sponsors since the market’s inception, are vital in organising the market.
Some of the 30 charities which are assisted by Nicarela include Saint Giles, an organisation which helps care for the disabled, Little Saints of Bethany, a creche and preschool, and a soup kitchen run by volunteers at St Columba’s church.
Schoolchildren from local schools, including Parkview Senior School, also performed at the market and volunteered their time to help make the market a success. They helped with the setup of the market as well as cleaning up.
Some of the schools, including Parkview Junior and Senior School, will also be beneficiaries of the Nicarela Charity and will provide bursaries for deserving schoolchildren.
Photo: Laura Pisanello
Entertainment included Barney for the children as well as local singer Kathy Raven and Wonderboom for adults.
“In order to reach our R1 million target, we will arrange other events during the course of the year so that we can reach our mandate of supporting the communities that really do need our financial assistance,” said Young.
There were also eight sponsored prizes including a diamond pendant, a two-night stay at De Hoop in Cape Town which were won by Esme Arnott and Graham Hamilton respectively.
Details: Nicarela Charity 082 445 3525.
Did you attend the market? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts with us by emailing laurap@caxton.co.za
