The Durban International Convention Centre joined with the Santa Shoebox Project once again this year to spread festive cheer to the children of the Makabongwe Methodist Pre-School.
The Santa Shoebox Project collects and distributes approximately 100,000 gifts to underprivileged children in orphanages, children’s homes and care centres across South Africa each year.
As part of the appeal, members of the public pledge to prepare a shoebox, which contains items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washcloth, educational supplies, sweets, a toy and an outfit of clothing.
For many children, this is the only gift they receive during the festive season.
Staff and executive management from the Durban ICC took some time out of their schedules to visit the pre-school to deliver a cake and distribute the gifts collected by the Santa Shoebox Project.
Prior to distributing the gifts, the Durban ICC supported the initiative by donating boxes to the appeal and sponsoring a venue at the Durban Exhibition Centre as the central collection point for the Durban Central boxes.
The Durban International Convention Centre chief executive officer Lindiwe Rakharebe said: “This initiative is one of many Corporate Social Investment projects which we support throughout the year, but especially at this time of year, we are reminded of how fortunate we are and that we have the opportunity to do something for those less fortunate than ourselves.”
Image caption: Members of the Durban ICC team spreading festive cheer at the Makabongwe Methodist Pre-school. Names: (L-R) Melanie Rambally (finance director), Fred Hattingh, (senior HR manager), Lindiwe Rakharebe (chief executive officer), Jessica Williams (chairperson of Makabongwe Management Committee) and Mala Dorasamy (marketing, sales and events director)
