Spread joy by giving
MORE than a thousand children and elderly and disabled people will be opening much-needed gifts this Christmas thanks to the Tree of Joy initiative which kicked off last month.
The Tree of Joy is a project driven by the Rotary Clubs of Port Elizabeth, bringing Christmas to individuals who are under the care or support of various local charities.
About 3500 gifts will be given to close to 40 beneficiaries around the city this year.
Residents of Cheshire Home Cleary Estate will have much to celebrate this Christmas when they receive their gifts.
According to Cheshire Homes EP coordinator Hilary Bolton, Christmas is a wonderful time for the residents because it gives them a sense of belonging.
"Our residents have very poor family contact, and through projects such as this they feel as if they belong. It is a very special time for them as it is about more than just gifts.
"It is a very fulfilling feeling to know that people out there are thinking about them and care for them. It really is a community-spirited project," Bolton said.
The individual beneficiaries of the Tree of Joy vary in age from small children to the elderly.
The tree itself stands in the Food Hall of Greenacres Shopping Centre and will be up until December 21.
Gift cards are available to the public who will register to take a card and buy a gift to the value of around R100.
"The charities support a broad range of needs and are selected by the Rotary clubs who work with them to create a list of gift recipients," organiser Angela Newton said.