A big Christmas tree lighting ceremony brought light and laughter to the Riebeek-Kasteel community, where children, regardless of their backgrounds all got special treats:
Riebeek-Kasteel, South Africa (05 December 2023) — Saturday brought light and laughter to the Riebeek Valley community in Riebeek-Kasteel as the Christmas tree twinkles in the small town were officially turned on.
But, this occasion was nothing if not a celebration of togetherness, where children from poor communities and privileged communities gathered and were afforded the same treats at the specially curated ‘Santa Village. It was also said to be one of the rare events in the town where everyone, no matter their background, comes together.
Roughly 450 children were gifted with sandwiches, crisps, ice lollies and after the Christmas tree lights were officially twinkling, Santa gifted them all stockings filled with more treats—fruit, sweeties, and candy canes as well as a small unisex gift.
“The expressions on the faces was so wonderfully moving,” shared Helen Weber who filled Good Things Guy in on the event.
Organised by couple Sean Cleary and Kobie le Grange with help from the Riebeek Valley Community Projects, this was the third year that the Lighting Ceremony has brought joy to Riebeek-Kasteel and those from neighbouring communities. Businesses and individuals all came together to make the night of magic possible.
“There are alway the ‘unsung heroes’, wherever you go in life. People who quietly get on with in, for no reward or fame. For four whole days Kobie le Grange has been working tirelessly in the blazing sun, stuck on a flimsy structure, putting Christmas lights in place for the ceremony next weekend,” shared Riebeek Valley’s community Facebook group of the big efforts.
Meanwhile, in other festive feel-good news, Craighall Park has its very own Secret Santas who not only deck out their home to the nines in lights but also have a Santa Letter Box initiative where letters submitted get a response—bringing delight to hundreds of children who pop by.
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