Help spread cheer this Christmas

THIS year the Walk in Faith charity will be providing 380 local children with a special box of goodies as part of their annual Christmas Cheer project.

To date, there are about 300 names that still need sponsors, and donors are urged to make contact with the organisation to pledge their support to the Box of Blessings initiative.

Undertaken every year, the project increases in numbers and this is their highest year by far owing to a greater need within the community.

Lists have been finalised and donors can begin dropping off their boxes this month to ensure they are delivered before the December holidays.

The project provides underprivileged children with a box of essentials, toys and clothing over the festive period.

Walk in Faith provides the child’s first name, age and gender to the donor who then fills the box.

Each wrapped A4 box should include a school or sports bag with some toiletries, a few snacks (maximum of three), one pair of socks and one gift from their wish list.

All items must be put in the box with the child’s name.

‘We understand that most donors would like to spoil the children, but we strive to maintain a set standard as some of these children have brothers and sisters, and not all of our sponsors can afford to buy expensive treats,' said Merinda Ackerman of Walk in Faith.

'Donors are, however, welcome to add some clothes or shoes to their box/bag, or something small the child would like, for example earphones or stickers.'

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Option 1: Make a financial donation of between R300 and R350 towards a specific child on the list, and shopping and packing will be done on your behalf.

Option 2: Choose a specific child from the list, purchase the items and pack the box/bag.

Option 3: Form a group with your friends, family or co-workers, and select one or more children from the list. Decide who will be responsible for the shopping, the packing and the wrapping.

Option 4: Choose a specific child from the list, purchase all the items, deliver the items, and Walk in Faith will pack the box of blessings on your behalf. The identities of children on the list are confidential, and no information may be disclosed to the public.

All donations must be delivered to 38 Raphia Palm Arboretum. For more information, contact Merinda on

081 5382331 or email merinda.a69@gmail.com