Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Christmas wishes 2013
http://theilzehallidayfoundation.weebly.com/1/post/2013/12/christmas-wishes-2013.html 
Saturday, December 14, 2013
The Ilze Halliday Foundation - Blog
The Ilze Halliday Foundation - Blog
The year may be over friends, but there is always something to do. I recently visited Madzibandlela Orphanage Home in Soshanguve Ext 11. They desperately need a new bathroom, tiles, bath, shower, etc. If anyone out there can help...please contact me ASAP. They also had a lot of rain damage over the past few weeks and hail destroyed their windows. We now have children sleeping, basically in open air, without the luxury of windows. I've found a sponsor for the windows, but please, that bathroom NEEDS a desperate revamp. It is totally inadequate for the 16 live-in orphans and Annah is at her wits' end. Please, if anyone knows about someone who can sponsor now fixtures (bath, toilet, basin, shower and tiles) let me know. We would SO appreciate it. Remember, these people get NO funding....they NEED us to help them. So, contact me on 0724360562 or complete the online form here. Thank you, I know I can count on you.
The past year - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
The past year - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
As you may have noticed, this past year has been extremely hectic on more levels than one. I managed to single handedly establish a foundation with the main goal of providing to those in need, especially the children.
I have to be honest. It has not been an easy road, but I will never change anything for the world. I've learned so much during this year, trial by fire you might say. Working with these people changed my life profoundly and I have absolutely no regrets. This has been my calling....and God has provided and guarded me at times when I had to venture in to relatively dangerous areas. For me, this work is an opportunity to make a difference, because maybe, someday, some little kid will remember there was one white lady that cared.
You see, poverty and disability is colour blind....we need to give those people a chance in life. And, as I stand at the eve of a new year, I have great plans and already projects in the works. I know God will help me every step of the way...and I sometimes wonder who is the one sharing the goodies....I have received more in this year, than ever before... I have been blessed, my eyes have been opened to an entire new world outside of the naive, safe world we live in.... and I thank God for this opportunity. I've met the most wonderful, special people in the process.
Doing what I do gives you a chance to really appreciate life, the life that was given to you. I look out to my facilities and I see more and more needs arise daily....you know, I understand that I cannot change the world....but let me tell you....I AM GOING TO GIVE IT ONE HELL OF A GOOD TRY!!!!
God bless and keep safe during the season of wonder.
With all my love
Sharon
I have to be honest. It has not been an easy road, but I will never change anything for the world. I've learned so much during this year, trial by fire you might say. Working with these people changed my life profoundly and I have absolutely no regrets. This has been my calling....and God has provided and guarded me at times when I had to venture in to relatively dangerous areas. For me, this work is an opportunity to make a difference, because maybe, someday, some little kid will remember there was one white lady that cared.
You see, poverty and disability is colour blind....we need to give those people a chance in life. And, as I stand at the eve of a new year, I have great plans and already projects in the works. I know God will help me every step of the way...and I sometimes wonder who is the one sharing the goodies....I have received more in this year, than ever before... I have been blessed, my eyes have been opened to an entire new world outside of the naive, safe world we live in.... and I thank God for this opportunity. I've met the most wonderful, special people in the process.
Doing what I do gives you a chance to really appreciate life, the life that was given to you. I look out to my facilities and I see more and more needs arise daily....you know, I understand that I cannot change the world....but let me tell you....I AM GOING TO GIVE IT ONE HELL OF A GOOD TRY!!!!
God bless and keep safe during the season of wonder.
With all my love
Sharon
30 November - My Kassie 2nd Chanz Foundation - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
30 November - My Kassie 2nd Chanz Foundation - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
(For pic's, follow link above)
Once again to my colleagues....Breeda, Byron and Theodore.....you were amazing. Breeda, being your organized self did a beautiful job in dealing with the all the logistics of getting the boxes sorted....you guys are amazing. And the children....oh, my word, what a blessing again....thanks for the GAZAT certificate, I do not deserve it...you are the people doing all the work in the community!!! But thanks anyway. It was a beautiful day and the kids were, surprisingly again, well behaved...the stars of my story ROCKED (apart from Herod....he made a b-line for his mom!!!). My volunteers, Elizelle, Sally, Michelle, Wayne (my Santa), Mac, Tanya.....thanks for the help and the eats you brought. Oh, and my kids, Tristan, Tristan Matthys and Tyla.....glad you could join in this momentous event. Breeda....I do so love you....such a special lady and all your coordinators who helped to make this celebration a huge success and thank you so much to the St Joseph's Catholic Church for having us use your hall.
(For pic's, follow link above)
Once again to my colleagues....Breeda, Byron and Theodore.....you were amazing. Breeda, being your organized self did a beautiful job in dealing with the all the logistics of getting the boxes sorted....you guys are amazing. And the children....oh, my word, what a blessing again....thanks for the GAZAT certificate, I do not deserve it...you are the people doing all the work in the community!!! But thanks anyway. It was a beautiful day and the kids were, surprisingly again, well behaved...the stars of my story ROCKED (apart from Herod....he made a b-line for his mom!!!). My volunteers, Elizelle, Sally, Michelle, Wayne (my Santa), Mac, Tanya.....thanks for the help and the eats you brought. Oh, and my kids, Tristan, Tristan Matthys and Tyla.....glad you could join in this momentous event. Breeda....I do so love you....such a special lady and all your coordinators who helped to make this celebration a huge success and thank you so much to the St Joseph's Catholic Church for having us use your hall.
27 November 2013 - 0dinburg Community Centre - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
27 November 2013 - 0dinburg Community Centre - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
(For pic's, follow link above)
My thanks to Busisiwe Ramathoka and her team....these little ones had the time of their lives! Wayne Renkin (for playing Santa again) and my better half Michelle Malan... I have no words.
Now these little angels also had a wonderful show for me....the sang the National Anthem in all three languages they can speak...remarkable....such a wonderful bunch of future grown-ups. Thanks again for all the trouble you went to Busi....you were wonderful. Despite the heat I enjoyed every second.... I had the bunch join me for my story and, let me tell you.....Hollywood stars in the making all of them.
(For pic's, follow link above)
My thanks to Busisiwe Ramathoka and her team....these little ones had the time of their lives! Wayne Renkin (for playing Santa again) and my better half Michelle Malan... I have no words.
Now these little angels also had a wonderful show for me....the sang the National Anthem in all three languages they can speak...remarkable....such a wonderful bunch of future grown-ups. Thanks again for all the trouble you went to Busi....you were wonderful. Despite the heat I enjoyed every second.... I had the bunch join me for my story and, let me tell you.....Hollywood stars in the making all of them.
29 November 2013 - Eersterust Care and Training Centre - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
29 November 2013 - Eersterust Care and Training Centre - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
(For pic's, follow link above)
I have no words to describe my experience at ECT....those children, most of them wheelchair bound....it touches my heart deeply. My thanks to mr and mrs Hoods for having me and most of all, the precious children. Poverty is one thing, you know, but seeing children in these conditions is just heart breaking. But the love they give...we can learn something here....they give love without wanting anything in return...you don't find this anywhere in the world today. They are the innocents amongs us. Fanus Rautenbach, a media personality in SA, used to call them 'hemelkinders' (children from heaven)...and that is exactly what they are. During my story I had an autistic angel...but she definitely didn't let that stop her...precious beyond words. Thanks to all the staff at the centre and thanks to the children....you showed me that, despite any disability, you can still be SOMETHING!
(For pic's, follow link above)
I have no words to describe my experience at ECT....those children, most of them wheelchair bound....it touches my heart deeply. My thanks to mr and mrs Hoods for having me and most of all, the precious children. Poverty is one thing, you know, but seeing children in these conditions is just heart breaking. But the love they give...we can learn something here....they give love without wanting anything in return...you don't find this anywhere in the world today. They are the innocents amongs us. Fanus Rautenbach, a media personality in SA, used to call them 'hemelkinders' (children from heaven)...and that is exactly what they are. During my story I had an autistic angel...but she definitely didn't let that stop her...precious beyond words. Thanks to all the staff at the centre and thanks to the children....you showed me that, despite any disability, you can still be SOMETHING!
25 November 2013 - Vos Community Centre, Sunnyside - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
25 November 2013 - Vos Community Centre, Sunnyside - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
(For pic's, follow link above)
My thanks to Ronel Aylward of CMR and of course to my volunteers... Margaret, Sally, Adri and Johan...you were amazing. What a beautiful day we had. The kids in the crowd volunteered to play roles in my Christmas story...such fun. Francelle Comber for your Christmas cake...thanks....the kids loved it so much. What always baffles me, is how well behaved the kids are....when I told my story, they are all listening so closely. Johan, my Santa for the day...you were amazing. Sometimes I feel so sad leaving these children....their innocence is so precious to me. We had such fun, with the story told and the excitement of the gifts over, we had a little party with cakes and ice lollies...what fun.
(For pic's, follow link above)
My thanks to Ronel Aylward of CMR and of course to my volunteers... Margaret, Sally, Adri and Johan...you were amazing. What a beautiful day we had. The kids in the crowd volunteered to play roles in my Christmas story...such fun. Francelle Comber for your Christmas cake...thanks....the kids loved it so much. What always baffles me, is how well behaved the kids are....when I told my story, they are all listening so closely. Johan, my Santa for the day...you were amazing. Sometimes I feel so sad leaving these children....their innocence is so precious to me. We had such fun, with the story told and the excitement of the gifts over, we had a little party with cakes and ice lollies...what fun.
22 November 2013 - Madzibandlela Orphanage Home - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
22 November 2013 - Madzibandlela Orphanage Home - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
(For pic's, follow link above)
Annah Ndlovu is such a force to be reckoned with. Called by God to do this ...she takes in abandoned little ones and give them the love and caring they crave. On the day she had a representative from the department of agriculture, mr Molaudzi, to attend. He encourages empowering the people to become self-sufficient...such a noble task. These lovely children crept and took residence in my heart when I first met them. I was blessed enough to provide them with carpets (a donation from the SA Reserve bank) as they have no carpeting throughout the house. Once again....a wonderful performance by the choir before my Santa, the sweetest man ever, Wayne Renkin, handed out the gifts. They went to so much trouble...a huge tent and a caterer...Annah, my dear, you ROCK!
(For pic's, follow link above)
Annah Ndlovu is such a force to be reckoned with. Called by God to do this ...she takes in abandoned little ones and give them the love and caring they crave. On the day she had a representative from the department of agriculture, mr Molaudzi, to attend. He encourages empowering the people to become self-sufficient...such a noble task. These lovely children crept and took residence in my heart when I first met them. I was blessed enough to provide them with carpets (a donation from the SA Reserve bank) as they have no carpeting throughout the house. Once again....a wonderful performance by the choir before my Santa, the sweetest man ever, Wayne Renkin, handed out the gifts. They went to so much trouble...a huge tent and a caterer...Annah, my dear, you ROCK!
20 November - Ikaneng drop-in and daycare - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
20 November - Ikaneng drop-in and daycare - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
(For pic's, follow link above)
Ikaneng was the first facility I ever visited and it as such a special place in my heart. The young man that runs the facility is doing it all on his own...hats off people!!!! These just som moments we shared on this blessed day. Handing out sweeties in the end...seeing the happiness brought...well, priceless. The little ones sang for me and then I told the old Christmas tale (with a translator at hand, of course). This facility, specifically, has very few resources...no water and no electricity, yet they make do with the grace of God, in Itumeleng's words (he is the headmaster). What a blessing to bring so much happiness in these impoverished lives.
(For pic's, follow link above)
Ikaneng was the first facility I ever visited and it as such a special place in my heart. The young man that runs the facility is doing it all on his own...hats off people!!!! These just som moments we shared on this blessed day. Handing out sweeties in the end...seeing the happiness brought...well, priceless. The little ones sang for me and then I told the old Christmas tale (with a translator at hand, of course). This facility, specifically, has very few resources...no water and no electricity, yet they make do with the grace of God, in Itumeleng's words (he is the headmaster). What a blessing to bring so much happiness in these impoverished lives.
18 November 2013 - Ditebogo Daycare and Drop-in - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
18 November 2013 - Ditebogo Daycare and Drop-in - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
(for pics, click on link above)
Thanks to the staff and especially Onicca Hlabela, the headmistress. This was such a wonderful experience. The children had an entire show planned for us. They won a competition too, they received a first place in Life Skills (a competition held amongs those pre-schools in the area) and we are all so proud of it.
Let me tell you what happened! Me and my ever-present other half (Michelle Malan) arrived and were treated to special seats in the house. The kids were amazing...and ever so beautiful. We did not have a resident Santa, so Michelle and I played the roles...but what fun we had. 415 little angels....so well behaved....they performed several dance routines especially for us. Thank you little loves, you were just phenomenal!
The hugs and the smiles after receiving their boxes....well, I have NO words to describe this.
(for pics, click on link above)
Thanks to the staff and especially Onicca Hlabela, the headmistress. This was such a wonderful experience. The children had an entire show planned for us. They won a competition too, they received a first place in Life Skills (a competition held amongs those pre-schools in the area) and we are all so proud of it.
Let me tell you what happened! Me and my ever-present other half (Michelle Malan) arrived and were treated to special seats in the house. The kids were amazing...and ever so beautiful. We did not have a resident Santa, so Michelle and I played the roles...but what fun we had. 415 little angels....so well behaved....they performed several dance routines especially for us. Thank you little loves, you were just phenomenal!
The hugs and the smiles after receiving their boxes....well, I have NO words to describe this.
15 November 2013...Forever Angels Place of Safety - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
15 November 2013...Forever Angels Place of Safety - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
(for pic's click on link above)
Although the house mother, Ursula van den Berg, had other obligations. We had our share of fun. Her son Dylan played Santa for me (bless him) and we had delish cupcakes from Cupcake Annie (thanks Charmaine Visser). The little ones enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Even jumping in the pool to cool off and immediately testing the toys they received. Such fun!!
(for pic's click on link above)
Although the house mother, Ursula van den Berg, had other obligations. We had our share of fun. Her son Dylan played Santa for me (bless him) and we had delish cupcakes from Cupcake Annie (thanks Charmaine Visser). The little ones enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Even jumping in the pool to cool off and immediately testing the toys they received. Such fun!!
No peace for the wicked - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
No peace for the wicked - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
You may have been thinking that I totally dropped off the face of the earth, well, you should be so lucky! These past few weeks had me driving around the townships in Pretoria with the final Santa Shoebox events...the celebrations. I did eight facilities, so, as you can imagine....I nearly lost my mind. The following posts will give dates and pics of these wonderous events, so don't you DARE go anywhere....look at it and enjoy and share the happiness we managed to bring to all those beautiful kids of South Africa. The posts according to date, then...have al look-see and enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)