CHRISTMAS is a time of giving, and as such, the Christmas Blessing Tree Initiative, which came about as a response to the Covid-19 lockdown by Faith Baptist Church Pastor John Matney, continues to bring festive cheer to children.

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“We tried to think of a way we could make Christmas special during Covid and the initiative was born that year. As part of it, we place little Christmas trees at respected Amanzimtoti establishments. On those trees are name cards of children kind community members can bless with Christmas gifts,” said Matney.

Since inception, the initiative has grown. In 2020, 50 children were blessed with Christmas gifts. This year, 500 children will be sponsored.

“If you’ve ever woken up on Christmas morning as a child with nothing, you know how disheartening that can be. My goal is to try to make sure that Christmas is special for the children and we can give them the hope of Christmas, the real reason for Christmas as well. We set a limit on how much donors spend, especially because the economy is tight at the moment. We just ask that they wrap the gift,” said Matney.

He added that it can be a great way for families to connect and give back this year.

Matney explained that the initiative is closely monitored and gifts can be tracked so that those who donate can have peace of mind that their gifts reach the children that need it most.

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Lelanie Schoeman, owner of the Coffee Theatre, one of the locations proudly on board to host the Christmas trees, said that being able to be a part of such a project, making children feel special, valued and loved is the heart of the Coffee Theatre.

“Our coffee shop is family-based, so for us, family is at the heart of everything that we do. We love to be part of something where we can also just reach out and touch the lives of children who need it most,” said Schoeman.

How to get involved

• Take a name card from one of the trees placed at participating establishments.
• Purchase gifts based on the wishlist or suggestions on the card, within the stipulated price range.
• Wrap the gift.
• Drop it off along with the name card at the blessings tree you took it from.

November 13 is the deadline for which gifts can be received.

You can find Christmas Blessing trees at the following establishments:

• Intercare Amanzimtoti, MedExcel Centre, 24 Prince St, Umbogintwini
• RE/MAX Toti, 14 Lewis Drive, Amanzimtoti
• Coffee Theatre, 16 Rockview Road, Amanzimtoti
• Toti Chiropractic, 47 School Rd, Amanzimtoti
• Celeste Prinsloo Physiotherapy, 311 Kingsway Road, Amanzimtoti
• Thirsty Whale, 97 Beach Road, Amanzimtoti

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