WITH the festive season fast approaching, local community champion Reena Solomon has officially launched two annual Christmas donation appeals aimed at bringing joy to those who protect the neighbourhood and those who pioneered it.

Also read: Early Christmas for Umgababa resident

The initiative marks the 14th consecutive year of the Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) Christmas Donation Appeal. The CCPO is Amanzimtoti’s only community-funded, non-profit security group.

Its unarmed officers patrol streets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to keep residents safe.
Solomon said that while many will spend the festive season with their families, she would love for the community to thank these dedicated officers.

“As a disabled pensioner myself, I’m incredibly grateful to the guards of the CCPO for keeping our streets safe, and I know first-hand how much a little extra help means to our security team. The goal this year is to gift each guard a Galleria Mall shopping gift card so they can treat their own families during the holidays,” said Solomon.

Help make the festive season special for seniors

Simultaneously, Solomon has launched a second heartfelt appeal, marking her fourth year, non-
consecutively, to support the elderly at the Jabulani Senior Citizens Residence, run by the Kingsburgh Welfare Organisation for the Aged. The facility is home to 82 seniors (30 men and 52 women) who survive entirely on basic monthly Sassa state pensions.

Also read: Seniors celebrates early Christmas at Amanzimtoti

To give these residents the dignity of choice, Solomon is raising funds to purchase a R350 Checkers
gift voucher for every senior. She said the vouchers will let them buy what they need most, whether it is a festive meal, preferred toiletries, or prepaid electricity top-ups. The total fundraising target for Jabulani is R28 700.

“Both of these causes are very close to my heart. Having organised many fundraisers for the elderly over the years, I know exactly how much this assistance means. For these seniors, a R350 voucher could mean the difference between simply getting through the month and having something special to enjoy over Christmas. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference,” she explained.

How to support:
Community members can donate directly into the account below, using the specific reference
for the cause they wish to support:

• Account name: R. Solomon
• Bank: Nedbank Galleria
• Account number: 1306094763
• Branch code: 198765
• References: Use [Donor’s name/CCPO] for the CCPO guards, or [Donor’s name/Jabulani] for the
  senior citizens.
• Donation deadlines: December 1 for the CCPO appeal and December 7 for the Jabulani appeal.
  Donors are kindly requested to email their proof of payment to reenasol@mweb.co.za so that
  all contributions can be accurately tracked.

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