The Gift of Giving

It appears the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Sedgefield! A couple of weeks back, the Sedgefield branch of Knysna & Partners, in association with local NGO Masithandane, sent out an appeal to locals to open their hearts and pledge a Christmas package for several vulnerable children in our community who have experienced particularly difficult times during 2016.

The community responded in typical fashion and amazing care packages poured in from many generous members of the public.

Twenty four children (along with their carers) were identified and chosen to receive gifts and food packages, and the Christmas packages were distributed on Wednesday, December 7th. It was a summer afternoon charged with raw emotion for all that were involved. I felt both humbled and honoured to witness the children’s faces light up after receiving their gifts. The Executive Mayor of Knysna, Eleanore Bouw-Spies, as well as Ward Councillor Levael Davis, took time out of their busy schedules and paid a special visit to those children involved.

The challenges facing our communities are great and include socio-economic, health and stark environmental issues. What is clear, however, is that if we all stand together and assist in uplifting one another, progress can be made. This drive was a wonderful example of that. And while there are many, many more children and families in the community in need, it was wonderful to see the generosity of spirit for those that we could help this year.

“I would like say a heartfelt Thank You to all those that so generously sponsored one of these special angels”, said Belinda Hobson, Sedgefield Manager of Knysna & Partners. “And a big thanks you to the Mayor and Councillor for taking the time to join us and for their support”.