MAD organises party treat for special needs students
CHILDREN from Ziyamet Special Needs School were waving and blowing kisses from the bus as they left a combined Christmas and New Year party organised by the Making a Difference (MAD) community volunteer group.
Some 15 children along with their mothers and teachers were treated to the party at the Çelebi Hotel in Mehmetçik on Monday, when boys were given temporary tattoos of a superhero on arrival while the girls had similar tattoos showing princesses.
A game of pass-the-parcel was played with gusto followed by the breaking open of a “piñata” containing sweets and treats. Christmas tree-shaped cookies were then decorated with coloured icing before being enthusiastically devoured.
Santa and Mrs Claus arrived to present each child with a wrapped gift and shoeboxes stuffed with toys, clothes and sweets, while a further surprise was an appearance by The Abnormals group of expat entertainers, dressed as Looby Loo, Andy Pandy and Teddy.
Everyone then sat down for a meal before the children headed back home.
“We all had the most amazing time,” said Claire Lamb of MAD.
“There were smiles galore, squeals of excitement and the faces of the children were a picture when they opened the shoeboxes. It really made it a special time for our special children.
“As MAD, we would like to say a big thank-you to all the terrific staff at the Çelebi Hotel for being so helpful and making everyone welcome. Our thanks also go to The Abnormals, all those who came along to help with the children, and members of First Aid For All who gave up their time to ensure the safety of everyone at the party.
“A special mention should also go to Graham Proctor-Brown for the super video he made of the party, which really summed up the day perfectly with lots of smiles, laughter and happiness.”