In memory of Richard Buckland, the late chairperson of the SA Red Cross in Grahamstown, Thursday 16 June became the first joyous Christmas in June celebration at the Red Cross Gladys Williams Crèche.
In memory of Richard Buckland, the late chairperson of the SA Red Cross in Grahamstown, Thursday 16 June became the first joyous Christmas in June celebration at the Red Cross Gladys Williams Crèche.
The event welcomed about 20 children with their parents, crèche staff, Red Cross members, Richard Buckland's daughter, Nickie Turner. Even Grahamstown's new mayor, Zamuxolo Peter, and his contingent made an appearance.
Grahamstown sheriff and chairperson of the local Red Cross, Annerie Wolmarans, told Grocott's Mail that the crèche cares for 60 children, many of whom come from very poor families. Every day they receive breakfast at the crèche, and a cooked lunch sponsored by His Majesty's Fruit and Veg.
But on Youth Day the children were in for a real treat. At the Christmas party, each child enjoyed cake and sweets and received a bag of clothes and goodies collected by the Red Cross. After some of the little ones impressed the audience with a few songs – one of which was appropriately "It's love that makes the world go round", Turner said a few words.
She said her father had especially loved four things: "Christmas, Father Christmas, cold weather and the Gladys Williams Crèche." She believed her father would have loved the idea of Christmas in June and, after seeing the crèche for herself, she understood why her father had held it so dearly to his heart.
As the party was winding down, another surprise arrived in the form of Mayor Zamuxolo Peter, along with his assistant Thandekile Jezi, PR Councillor Boniwe Bonani, and Makana's Speaker of Council, Rachel Madinda. Wolmarans was delighted to receive these guests and, as they posed for a picture, she exclaimed, "This mayor's going to make a difference!"
Cake and bags of gifts were reserved for the crèche children who could not attend on the public holiday, but the spirit of giving need not stop there because the Red Cross is constantly on the lookout for more donations that can help the Gladys Williams Crèche and others like it.
Wish list of the Gladys Williams Crèche
Old furniture
Clothing
Cutlery
Crockery
Food
Pots
Pans
Toys
Or anything that can make a difference in the children's' lives.
Cash donations will be used to buy food parcels. Goods can be dropped off at 115 High Street (next to Grahamstown Pharmacy), or call the following numbers for collections: Annerie Wolmarans – 046 644 6202 Cheryl Craig – 046 622 7515 Anneline Visage – 078 478 2476
