Christmas cheer in early start overdrive

CHRISTMAS has come early for organisations around East London, where Santa has swopped his sleigh for a Mercedes-Benz to deliver special gifts over the next few days.

The automotive giant recently developed an employee volunteering programme (EVP), which has rolled up its sleeves to make a difference in impoverished communities since early this year.

The programme is an extension of the company’s corporate social responsibility unit.

For its Christmas drive, volunteers have filled hundreds of bags with essential items and goodies for abandoned children and homeless people

Programme co-ordinator June Stagler said they had engaged with Wings Shelter, Buyiswa Children’s Home, Enkazimlweni Orphanage and Ethembeni Old Age Home and Frail Care, among others, to establish their needs.

“We have collected a variety of things for all age groups and to cater for each entity’s individual needs,” she said.

On Friday, the drive began with a visit to Breath of Life, a safe house for abandoned and vulnerable babies between the ages of 0-six months.

Breath of Life manager Elaine Brenkman said the delivery came in very handy.

“It’s the time of the year when children are getting Christmas presents and because of this kind deed, our kids will also get an individual present meant for them, which will go into their memory boxes and always be theirs,” she said.

The home also could never have enough nappy supplies and formula due to the continued influx of babies being delivered to their care, she said.

Today, the car giant will be hosting a Christmas party at the East London Zoo for other disadvantaged children from throughout the city. —