Children at a daycare centre in Orange Grove were treated to a Christmas party and showered with gifts by the men’s forum of the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
East London forum chairman Mlungiseleli Peter said reaching out to disadvantaged communities was not only to benefit the children at Mvisiswano Day Care Centre, but also for their personal development.
“We formed this forum with the intention of uplifting each other and teaching one another what it means to be a man in society and we thought it would be a good exercise for us to reach out to these poor communities and help where we can,” said Peter.
The forum is made up of 92 members, who all personally contributed towards the gifts.
“RAF still shines but we all had to dig deep in our pockets because our goal ultimately was to spread some Christmas cheer and bring smiles to the children, some of whom had never received gifts before.”
When the Daily Dispatch arrived at the daycare centre yesterday, some members of the forum were busy painting the kitchen.
The centre was also given rechargeable lamps, gas stoves, heaters and toys for the daycare centre.
“We also bought presents for all the children and big school items to prepare those who are graduating to Grade R next year. Lunch served to these special kids on this day was prepared by female colleagues in support of the forum,” said Peter.
Principal Nozipho Mandla said the centre had been running since 2005 and nothing this big had ever happened for them.
“This is just awesome. They have done so much – from the gifts to the painting; we are so grateful.
“Some of the children would have never experienced Christmas cheer because of their situation at home but today they will feel like other children in the world who get showered with gifts and such,” said Mandla.
Parent Nolundi Tshwati said her son Alizwa, 5, had been going to the centre since he was three months old.
“I am so grateful, he is starting big school next year and these gifts have really taken the load off the list of things I had to buy and I don’t have to buy a Christmas gift. Nothing special ever happens to us here in Orange Grove. We thank these people for their generosity,” said Tshwati. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Men’s group brings joy to children
East London forum chairman Mlungiseleli Peter said reaching out to disadvantaged communities was not only to benefit the children at Mvisiswano Day Care Centre, but also for their personal development.
“We formed this forum with the intention of uplifting each other and teaching one another what it means to be a man in society and we thought it would be a good exercise for us to reach out to these poor communities and help where we can,” said Peter.
The forum is made up of 92 members, who all personally contributed towards the gifts.
“RAF still shines but we all had to dig deep in our pockets because our goal ultimately was to spread some Christmas cheer and bring smiles to the children, some of whom had never received gifts before.”
When the Daily Dispatch arrived at the daycare centre yesterday, some members of the forum were busy painting the kitchen.
The centre was also given rechargeable lamps, gas stoves, heaters and toys for the daycare centre.
“We also bought presents for all the children and big school items to prepare those who are graduating to Grade R next year. Lunch served to these special kids on this day was prepared by female colleagues in support of the forum,” said Peter.
Principal Nozipho Mandla said the centre had been running since 2005 and nothing this big had ever happened for them.
“This is just awesome. They have done so much – from the gifts to the painting; we are so grateful.
“Some of the children would have never experienced Christmas cheer because of their situation at home but today they will feel like other children in the world who get showered with gifts and such,” said Mandla.
Parent Nolundi Tshwati said her son Alizwa, 5, had been going to the centre since he was three months old.
“I am so grateful, he is starting big school next year and these gifts have really taken the load off the list of things I had to buy and I don’t have to buy a Christmas gift. Nothing special ever happens to us here in Orange Grove. We thank these people for their generosity,” said Tshwati. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos