THE Adopt-A-Kid campaign, which has been helping to feed many children throughout Humansdorp, plans to host their first Christmas party for at least 350 children on December 12, at the Rainbow Centre Primary School in Acadia.
In August, Kouga Express wrote about the campaign which was established by Joubin Saffier, a local evangelist.
Saffier, who is the founder of the Kouga Social and Rural Development, a NPO which offers food to those in need at various food points throughout Humansdorp, established the Adopt-A-Kid campaign to feed approximately 259 children four times a month.
Since the establishment of the campaign, the number of children has increased to 300. The programme has, however, not received many donations.
Despite the lack of donations, Saffier said they were fortunate to have loyal donors who contributed towards the programme each month. In a bid to provide the 300 children in the programme, as well as about 50 children from the community, with a memorable Christmas, Saffier plans to host a Christmas party.
“Most parents cannot afford to provide their children with Christmas gifts or Christmas decorations. Many of these kids have never experienced a real Christmas before and we wanted to share the experience with them,” said Saffier.
As a child, Saffier did not experience Christmas either, which further prompted him to provide each child with a special Christmas party.
“This event is close to my heart because when I was younger, we did not really celebrate Christmas. I always hoped that one day I would be able to celebrate this special day. For this reason, I want to provide the children in the programme with a fun–filled Christmas event,” said Saffier.
He said when he mentioned the idea of hosting a Christmas party to the children in the programme, there was so much joy and excitement among them.
“I sketched a picture in their minds about a possible Christmas party and they were very excited and hopeful which almost brought me to tears because this is something I have dreamt about since I was a kid,” said Saffier.
On the day, Saffier plans to provide each child with a Christmas lunch, various forms of entertainment, clothing, shoes, party packets and a gift which will include stationery, a hygiene pack and a toy.
Father Christmas will also be at the event to take pictures with the kids.
To help make their special day a reality, Saffier hopes to receive any amount of monetary donation or any contribution towards the event which includes sponsoring secondhand clothing, muffins, a cake, sweets, snacks or a small gift.
“Any contribution towards the event will be appreciated. Donating to our Christmas event would make a big impact in the lives of the children in our programme,” said Saffier. “I hope that the Christmas party will be a blessed day and a beam of light for the kids to restore what should be a part of their upbringing.”
For more information contact Joubin Saffier on 078 125 4357.
