Help their Christmas dreams come true
IT’S that time of year again when we all express disbelief that “Christmas is almost on us”. The decorations are starting to creep into the shops, the 2016 calendars claim pride of place in the newsagents and the cynics are starting to growl at the sound of Christmas music seeping into the malls.
But set all that aside for a moment and spare a thought for 200 children who have started counting the days to the holiday of a lifetime at the Mercury Hibberdene Children's Holiday Home.
For most of the children it will be their first experience of a holiday, of a fully equipped playground, running water and a bed of their own. For five days they will have unbridled fun and entertainment. They will be given three square meals a day, and the previously unknown luxury of Christmas gifts, decorations, Father Christmas and ice creams will become a reality.
At the end of it they will return home with a new set of clothes, a bag of toiletries, a gift, snacks and sweets and memories to share with anyone who will listen. The children visiting the home this year all come from the Durban inner city and know little beyond deprivation.
The manager of the home, Charmaine Barnwell, and her staff are as excited as the children. “We’ve started gearing up for their arrival, planning entertainment and games to ensure there isn’t a dull moment. Hopefully the weather will be beautiful, but even if it isn’t, we’re ready for it.
“We have planned day and night beach walks, we’re creating an old-fashioned ‘drive-in movie’ with a bonfire and toasted marshmallows. We have talent contests, beach Olympics, picnics, a soccer tournament, games in the pool and, of course, a Christmas Day with gifts handed out by Father Christmas and a very special meal.”
As in previous years, the home appeals to readers of The Mercury, and supporters and friends of the home, to help with donations in cash and kind.
Chairwoman Julie Ramseier said: “Support of the home has always been amazingly generous, for which we are all grateful. Please help us make this year just as special as you have in the past.”
Cash donations can be made directly into the home’s account: Standard Bank; Account number: 050769448; Branch: Kingsmead, with proof of payment so a receipt may be sent.
Donations in kind can be delivered to Community Projects for the attention of Vanessa Brisset at Independent Newspapers, 18 Osborne Street, Durban, or to The Mercury Children’s Hibberdene Home. We are also able to collect donations. Please phone 031 308 2493 to make arrangements.