SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM
Festive cheer, 125 giant boxes of toys, 25 boxes of flood relief supplies and over R 80 000 raised despite rain.
SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM, the highlight of Gauteng’s festive calendar kicked off the festive season on a high note in Johannesburg at St. Stithians College and in Pretoria at Moreleta Park Gemeente on 7 and 10 December respectively – collecting a total of 125 giant boxes of toys for children in need, 25 boxes of supplies for Mamelodi flood victims, and raising more than R30 000 for Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels.
Both events were moved indoors due to adverse weather conditions and, even though space was limited, venues were packed and there was no stopping the crowd’s festive and giving spirit!
The Johannesburg event saw a stellar cast performing: Tarryn Lamb, Roan Ash, Swing City, the Ndlovu Youth Choir and the Soweto Gospel Choir taking to the stage with Matthew Mole, Lira, Rubber Duc and Paxton.
Pretoria again featured a first-class line-up: Tarryn, Roan, Swing City, the Ndlovu Youth Choir and the Soweto Gospel choir, this time joined by Jo Black, Riana Nel, Joshua na die Reën and Early B.
The Jacaranda FM presenters – including the likes of Martin Bester, Liesl Laurie, Elma Smit, Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, Rozanne McKenzie, Alex Jay and Rian van Heerden – were also celebrating in full festive force, with the station broadcasting live from both events.
Despite weather-related challenges, SPAR saw to it that little ones were thoroughly entertained with jumping castles, face-painters, games, crafts, buskers, movies and more.
Entrance to the event was free, but those who attended were encouraged to donate a toy to children in need and to support Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels through electric candle and songbook sales. Piet van Vuuren, Inland Advertising and Promotions Manager of SPAR (SA), graciously donated an additional R50 000 to make sure that the effects of the weather didn’t have a knock-on effect on how many kids could see their festive season brightened with toys.
A further 25 giant boxes of flood relief supplies were also collected to aid flood victims in Mamelodi.
Jacaranda FM’s Marketing Manager, Leith Smith, says: “SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM has been an annual festive highlight for well over a decade – one we are privileged to present with a top-class headline sponsor. Year after year we are overwhelmed by the electric atmosphere, the unity, the generosity and the hope that this event brings. Even though we had to move indoors, thousands of people from all walks of life still came through to enjoy their favourite festive songs with loved ones, performed by some of SA’s favourite artists, and to help kids that they may never get to meet. That is what the Jacaranda FM spirit is all about. We would like to thank every single person who contributed to this year’s Carols success and wish all of SA a happy, blessed and safe festive season!”