On December 7 and 8 the children, many of who have never seen Santa Claus nor ever received a Christmas gift, were identified through community representatives and welfare organisations. They were all bussed in from Hornlee and White Location in Knysna and from Smutsville, Sizamele and Ruigtevlei outside Sedgefield.
Charmaine Webb (Waterfront Knysna Quays management) explains it was the fifth year that the Waterfront hosted children who were orphaned or in foster care. "Our annual Christmas parties are aimed at giving them a little bit of Christmas experience, which we hope can ultimately contribute to their self-worth."
She beams that the children’s response is always overwhelming.
"They arrive rather timid, but after an evening of fun, they leave singing and laughing. Their caregivers in turn usually leave in tears, immensely grateful that the kids were spoiled - even if only for a few hours."
A puppet show and sing-along was presented by children’s entertainer Taniia Strauss while each child was treated to pizza, had his or her face painted and received an inflatable party hat fit for the occasion. Each one also received a gift bag containing school stationery, a T-shirt, beach bat and balls and various other fun goodies. The kids also got to meet Santa and had their photographs taken with him.
"The Waterfront Knysna Quays feels privileged to be able to contribute to the lives of the children who hold the future of our town, region and country in their hands. Although only a small token, we hope that the seed of hope is planted in each one and that it will bear fruit in the future," says Webb.
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Children and caregivers from poor communities enjoy a Christmas party arranged just for them by Waterfront Knysna Quays. (Photo: Desmond Scholtz)
