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!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Preparing for celebration tomorrow at Madzibandlela Orphanage Home
Thu, 21 Nov 2013 - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
Follow link for photo's
Cupcakes galore for Madzibandlela + duvets, clothing, carpets, lever arch files and some extra boxes. Oh, and my Santa outfit arrived(finally). Looking forward to a wonderful morning with the little ones tomorrow!
Follow link for photo's
Cupcakes galore for Madzibandlela + duvets, clothing, carpets, lever arch files and some extra boxes. Oh, and my Santa outfit arrived(finally). Looking forward to a wonderful morning with the little ones tomorrow!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Celebration time!! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
Celebration time!! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
For those of you who were thinking that I've been idly sitting around, waiting for life to happen...a newsflash! Since Friday, the 15th of November, I've been driving around Pretoria, despite the heatwave, handing out gifts to facilities.
This then, just a tiny update, the rest of the news will follow as soon as I find the time to sit down and write it all up! I'm done with three facilities (see some pic's above) and still have 5 to go.
Watch this space for more info in the coming days!
For those of you who were thinking that I've been idly sitting around, waiting for life to happen...a newsflash! Since Friday, the 15th of November, I've been driving around Pretoria, despite the heatwave, handing out gifts to facilities.
This then, just a tiny update, the rest of the news will follow as soon as I find the time to sit down and write it all up! I'm done with three facilities (see some pic's above) and still have 5 to go.
Watch this space for more info in the coming days!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Party preparations in full swing! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
Party preparations in full swing! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
This week saw me rushing around between office and store to purchase goodies for my 8 facilities' celebration days.
The first one is tomorrow at Forever Angels Place of Safety. I'm taking along some extra gifts and cupcakes, lovingly prepared by Charmaine Visser of Cupcake Annie and some sweet puffs. Santa Clause will be played by Marius van den Berg, the husband of Ursula, the housemommy.
In addition to sorting out all the celebration stuff, I finally got around to clearing out some donations I've received a while back from Ronel Dixon and Irma Roodt. Clothing, carpets (received from Annette Jacobs at the Reserve Bank) and toys will be distributed among the facilities during celebration time.
Well, I have to prepare for my celebration program tomorrow. I'll keep you posted!!!!
The first one is tomorrow at Forever Angels Place of Safety. I'm taking along some extra gifts and cupcakes, lovingly prepared by Charmaine Visser of Cupcake Annie and some sweet puffs. Santa Clause will be played by Marius van den Berg, the husband of Ursula, the housemommy.
In addition to sorting out all the celebration stuff, I finally got around to clearing out some donations I've received a while back from Ronel Dixon and Irma Roodt. Clothing, carpets (received from Annette Jacobs at the Reserve Bank) and toys will be distributed among the facilities during celebration time.
Well, I have to prepare for my celebration program tomorrow. I'll keep you posted!!!!
Monday, November 11, 2013
Still praying for donors.. - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
Still praying for donors.. - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
If anyone out there cares to make a donation towards the celebration events for Santa Shoebox...please don't hesitate to contact me NOW.
Each party pack will contain:
* Lollipop
* Soft sweet
* Chips/popcorn
* Cold drink/ice lolly
* Biscuit
In addition I need to take with cake/cupcakes and for the facilities with electricity...vienna sausages, hotdog rolls and tomato sauce (these instead of the party packs and/or cake).
So PLEASE people...click here to contact me if you want to make our Christmas celebrations extraordinary.
Remember....the gift is only a part of the whole package Santa Shoebox provides to the less fortunate among us.
Each party pack will contain:
* Lollipop
* Soft sweet
* Chips/popcorn
* Cold drink/ice lolly
* Biscuit
In addition I need to take with cake/cupcakes and for the facilities with electricity...vienna sausages, hotdog rolls and tomato sauce (these instead of the party packs and/or cake).
So PLEASE people...click here to contact me if you want to make our Christmas celebrations extraordinary.
Remember....the gift is only a part of the whole package Santa Shoebox provides to the less fortunate among us.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Party packs still needed for Santa Shoebox celebrations! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
Party packs still needed for Santa Shoebox celebrations! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
I still need sponsors or goods to fill party packsfor my Santa Shoebox celebrations.
Each party pack will contain the following:
* Sweets (lollipop, fizzer, gummy sweet)
* Crisps
* Cold drink
* Biscuits (e.g. lunchbox sized Oreos)
In addition to the party packs I want to take along some cake and/or cupcakes and snack trays for the staff. The cupcakes have been sorted, though, but I need at least 46 big square cakes (to be cut in 28-32 pieces)for the facilities.
Four of my facilities have electricity, so I if someone can provide hotdogs, hotdog rolls and tomato sauce for these, I can save on the party packs. Cones and ice cream can be dessert.
In total I have 8 facilities (numbers of children in each mentioned below). I ampreparing for 1.000 children in total, not including the staff members.
I also need more volunteers to join me during these events...I can do with some extra hands.
Below a list of my facilities:
Each party pack will contain the following:
* Sweets (lollipop, fizzer, gummy sweet)
* Crisps
* Cold drink
* Biscuits (e.g. lunchbox sized Oreos)
In addition to the party packs I want to take along some cake and/or cupcakes and snack trays for the staff. The cupcakes have been sorted, though, but I need at least 46 big square cakes (to be cut in 28-32 pieces)for the facilities.
Four of my facilities have electricity, so I if someone can provide hotdogs, hotdog rolls and tomato sauce for these, I can save on the party packs. Cones and ice cream can be dessert.
In total I have 8 facilities (numbers of children in each mentioned below). I ampreparing for 1.000 children in total, not including the staff members.
I also need more volunteers to join me during these events...I can do with some extra hands.
Below a list of my facilities:
IF YOU ARE AT ALL INTERESTED IN CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS MAKING THESE CELEBRATIONS EXTRA SPECIAL, CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ME NOW.
Santa Shoebox Project 2013
Celebration Schedule
Celebration Schedule
DATE & TIME 15 Nov @ 10 am 18 Nov @ 10 am 20 Nov @ 10 am 22 Nov @ 10 am 25 Nov @ 10 am 27 Nov @ 10 am 29 Nov @ 10 am 30 Nov @ 11 am | NAME OF FACILITY Forever Angels Place of Safety Ditebogo Daycare Ikaneng Drop-in and Daycare Madzibandlela Orphanage Home Vos Community Centre Odinberg Community Centre Eersterust Care and Training Centre My Kassie 2nd Chanz Foundation | AREA Montana Gardens Hammans= kraal Soshanguve Block NN Soshanguve Ext 11 Sunnyside Mabopane Eersterust Eersterust | TOTAL KIDS 6 308 138 47 119 92 59 150 | ELECTRICITY Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes |
IF YOU ARE AT ALL INTERESTED IN CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS MAKING THESE CELEBRATIONS EXTRA SPECIAL, CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ME NOW.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Sweets, cakes, chips, drinks needed for Santa Shoebox celebration days!!!! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
Sweets, cakes, chips, drinks needed for Santa Shoebox celebration days!!!! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
If you wish to donate any of the above, please contact me urgently. Click here to send an email with details of your donation. We need all the above to make up at least 950 party packs for my facilities' celebration days. The first one to be held on 15th November, so you can understand the urgency. In addition to these, we need packaging (small plastic bags/paper bags/cartons).
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Santa Shoebox drop-off...we're nearly at the end people!! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
Santa Shoebox drop-off...we're nearly at the end people!! - The Ilze Halliday Foundation
These past two weeks saw the team and their volunteers work themselves into a stupor at the two drop-offs in Pretoria. Drop-off started on the 24th October and officially ended on the 26th. Of course we received numerous late donations (for which we were incredibly thankful!) and still kept going until well into last week.
Pretoria East/Centurion and Pretoria North/Magalieskruin drop-offs received a total of nearly 8600 boxes and are happy to announce that all our children at facilities sourced earlier this year, will receive a box. Countrywide an astonishing 119 163 shoeboxes have been pledged....a heartwarming thought, when you look at the dire economic times we are currently living in. To think that there are still actually people out there who really care and would not mind spending something extra to make the life of one stranger just a tiny bit better during this coming festive season.
The pictures shown in the gallery above was taken at our Pretoria North/Magalieskruin venue. Have a look at the beautifully decorated boxes some of the kids can look forward to! Some of those boxes were literally bulging with wonderful things....the donors packed with so much thought and care, one can see that these were given from the heart.
My utmost thanks then to these donors for their kindness, to the volunteers for their time and hard work and the Pretoria committee for the endless and tireless support and their patience with an inexperienced SSB member like me. Special thanks to Margie Kostelac for her kind words and continuous support and last, but definitely not the least, to our venue managers...the NG church Magalieskruin; Hannelie de Beer and her team were invaluable. Your willingness to help with our cause and to make it possible for us to have a drop-off venue at all, as well as for your advice during the marketing process....thank you so very much.
In addition to the shoeboxes I personally received donations in the form of either goods or cash from all over; Annalie Lewis from LA Sport, Annette from the SA Reserve Bank, Carin Immelman, Henriette Crafford, Isabel le Roux, Hannelie de Beer, Mkateko and Pieter Halliday....these were all used to fill boxes so that Pretoria can reach its target. Some of the funds are still left over and will be used during the celebration period at the end of November (to purchase cake, cold drinks and snacks for the children). Thank you all very much.
So, still ahead then is the celebrations, as mentioned above. My first party is at Forever Angels Place of Safety on the 15th of November. From that day onwards nearly daily until the 30th, when I have my final celebration at My Kassie 2nd Chanz Foundation in Eersterust. I'm therefore calling on anyone interested to join me at these celebrations to contact me immediately (click to contact), or if you wish to donate cake/drinks/snacks... You can send an email by clicking here. Planning is already underway; I've secured a student to play Santa (please if you have a Santa suit that we can borrow...contact me before 10 Nov.)and cupcakes have been ordered, plus a few volunteers who helped us during drop-off said they'll come and help during the celebration period as well.
Watch this space for more updates on the celebrations!
These past two weeks saw the team and their volunteers work themselves into a stupor at the two drop-offs in Pretoria. Drop-off started on the 24th October and officially ended on the 26th. Of course we received numerous late donations (for which we were incredibly thankful!) and still kept going until well into last week.
Pretoria East/Centurion and Pretoria North/Magalieskruin drop-offs received a total of nearly 8600 boxes and are happy to announce that all our children at facilities sourced earlier this year, will receive a box. Countrywide an astonishing 119 163 shoeboxes have been pledged....a heartwarming thought, when you look at the dire economic times we are currently living in. To think that there are still actually people out there who really care and would not mind spending something extra to make the life of one stranger just a tiny bit better during this coming festive season.
The pictures shown in the gallery above was taken at our Pretoria North/Magalieskruin venue. Have a look at the beautifully decorated boxes some of the kids can look forward to! Some of those boxes were literally bulging with wonderful things....the donors packed with so much thought and care, one can see that these were given from the heart.
My utmost thanks then to these donors for their kindness, to the volunteers for their time and hard work and the Pretoria committee for the endless and tireless support and their patience with an inexperienced SSB member like me. Special thanks to Margie Kostelac for her kind words and continuous support and last, but definitely not the least, to our venue managers...the NG church Magalieskruin; Hannelie de Beer and her team were invaluable. Your willingness to help with our cause and to make it possible for us to have a drop-off venue at all, as well as for your advice during the marketing process....thank you so very much.
In addition to the shoeboxes I personally received donations in the form of either goods or cash from all over; Annalie Lewis from LA Sport, Annette from the SA Reserve Bank, Carin Immelman, Henriette Crafford, Isabel le Roux, Hannelie de Beer, Mkateko and Pieter Halliday....these were all used to fill boxes so that Pretoria can reach its target. Some of the funds are still left over and will be used during the celebration period at the end of November (to purchase cake, cold drinks and snacks for the children). Thank you all very much.
So, still ahead then is the celebrations, as mentioned above. My first party is at Forever Angels Place of Safety on the 15th of November. From that day onwards nearly daily until the 30th, when I have my final celebration at My Kassie 2nd Chanz Foundation in Eersterust. I'm therefore calling on anyone interested to join me at these celebrations to contact me immediately (click to contact), or if you wish to donate cake/drinks/snacks... You can send an email by clicking here. Planning is already underway; I've secured a student to play Santa (please if you have a Santa suit that we can borrow...contact me before 10 Nov.)and cupcakes have been ordered, plus a few volunteers who helped us during drop-off said they'll come and help during the celebration period as well.
Watch this space for more updates on the celebrations!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)