The Tunnel Navigation non-profit organisation wants to bring Christmas spirit and put a smile on the faces of the needy in Belhar on December 17.
They’re collecting donations to make the day a success and would like to have enough to feed 400 children, and give party packs to all as well as clothing and unused decorative household items to the identified homes.
They appeal to the public to donate ingredients, second-hand toys and clothing for children aged 6 and 14 and/or volunteer their time on the day to help with the serving and entertaining the little ones.
Organiser Grandle Opperman said a team of volunteers is busy identifying deserving children and households who need more than just a party this festive season.
“We’re giving an opportunity to the fortunate families to share love with our fellows who are faced with difficult times and wouldn’t be as privileged as many of us this festive season. Whilst many are excitedly looking forward to our initiatives, for some it’s a heartbreaking moment as they’ve only recently lost their jobs and are not used to relying on charity. We are trying to restore and protect their dignity by going into their homes instead of waiting until they have to beg for help. This is time for sharing and love, let us all spread it and celebrate together.
“Yes, our main focus is children who we make the day and entertainment all about them and make sure they have something to show at home at the end of the day. No donation or time spent with the kids is ever too little,” said Opperman.
Tamryn Arendse, 15, said: “I am excited about the Christmas party, it’s always nice when we all come together and have fun. The best part is when they give us gifts and clothes. Some children don’t get new clothes at home, so what they’re doing is so special to us.”
Resident Lizelda Bon, 43, who is unemployed, said she and her son benefit from the organisation and at Christmas the rest of the family look forward to the end-of-year party. “It’s hard being a stay-at-home single parent and I am glad that I have an opportunity to contribute to Tunnel Navigation so I do not just receive and receive all the time, but I also give back through volunteering in the feeding scheme. Around this we’re all excited, seniors come out to watch and enjoy the vibe. And this year they’ll also be getting something, in a decent way. I just hope we’ll get enough donations to make this a success. Please, I ask anyone to contribute to this important initiative,” she said.
The event and handover would be a wrap of their year-long community work. They feed masses twice a week through their alleviation programme and run music classes with the youth.
“Thank you to all who have sponsored and/or supported us in any way and allowed us to host this third Christmas function,” Opperman said.
For donations or more information, call Grandle Opperman at 073 656 0526.