The proof is in the pudding… Just to prove that work, work, work has been happening here is a very satisfying record of the boxes for the Sinomhawu group in Riverside all done and dusted and being collected. One down four to go. This year the sweets are being packaged seperately as we found that they tend to melt and have on occasion messed up the other articles in the box. Those are in the plastic packets being loaded. It also helps with uniformity, and more space in the boxes.
Ward 1 has been completed and stored as well and, as with the other wards, those boxes will all be collected from the Shoebox room on the day before the party.
We continue to receive help from all quarters and it is such an encouragement but I must say that Lynda (you can just see her near the door) has carried the giant share of the work load this year. Then we have Pat Abraham, hidden away in Johannesburg, with some amazing ideas for fundraising and so the finances have been coming in from that quarter. This is what she wrote:
“The Johannesburg support has again been amazing. We sent out an appeal for Shoebox Angels to open their homes and host fund raising events and the success of the functions has been staggering. Ten Angels opened their homes and with the help of their friends helped us raise over R21 000.00. Our deepest thanks go to these dear people.Once again we have had the tremendous support of Tiber Bonvec, Russell and Associates, Exquisite Tastes and Thinking People as well as so many dear friends, some from as far afield as Singapore, Greece and Germany.”
These supporters have taken our project on board with love, compassion and generosity. This week Gail went to Joberg with the Shoebox trailer, which had been donated to us a few years back by Breadline Africa and has proved invaluable, to pick up a load of goodies from Pat. Lynda sent me this report after unpacking the trailer this morning:
Well it felt like Christmas Morning as we unpacked the Shoebox trailer. There was much Oohing and Aahing as we opened each box and packet and saw what Pat and her friends have collected and sent for the Shoebox Project! From toothbrushes and toothpaste to toys of every description. Beautiful clothes and not to mention the stationery! A whole bag of beautifully knitted toys that would definitely win first prize at WI was especially fussed over! We have thought that these would be especially appreciated by the children who attend the disability clinic and these toys will accompany their shoeboxes! Thank you so much Pat and your helpers for making our task at the Shoebox Project so much easier by your very generous contributions!
We have also received notice from Mondi Shanduka that they are going to support our project this year by funding , among others, boxes and party packs for the children of the Sizanani Widows group. This group of retired grannies cook food and help orphans with their homework in Mphophomeni near Howick. Mondi has always had a soft spot for these brave ladies and the wonderful work they do every day with the children. Last year we had great fun delivering the gifts together with Thulani from Mondi and once again we are able to take on this project because of their willingness to support the initiative.
We are now down to planning the logistics for the four parties and also the delivery of Christmas hampers on the 24th of December to some Child headed households who do not yet receive any grants, so that they too may have a lovely meal on Christmas day.
We will keep you posted…
