The Giving Tree, a project by the Rotary Club of South Peninsula-Cape Town and Longbeach Mall, will return this festive season to brighten the lives of more than 500 needy children.
The project invites shoppers to select angels hanging from the tree at the mall. Each angel bears the name, age and special wish of a specific child. The shopper buys the gift, wraps it and attaches the angel tag to it.
The wrapped gifts need to be dropped off at the mall by Friday December 20 for distribution from then until Monday December 23.
“Last year, we had 288 angels and were able to provide gifts for all of them. This year, we’ve started earlier to give shoppers more time, and we’re excited to support over 500 children, from toddlers to teenagers,” said the mall’s marketing manager, Minnin du Preez.
The children are from organisations such as St Francis Outreach Trust, Vigis Home of Hope, Dr James White Ministries and Redhill Community Library.
“It’s absolutely amazing to see everyone come together for this. Last year, people didn’t just bring gifts; they also included heartfelt letters, cookies, and sweets. The response was truly heart-warming,” Ms Du Preez said.
The concept was introduced by Dr Jane White, president of the Rotary Club South Peninsula-Cape Town.
“As a dual citizen of South Africa and the United States, I drew on the Christmas giving traditions I experienced in the United States,” she said.
“We adapted the Angel Tree concept to create the Giving Tree. Minnin brought a list of organisations, and Rotary added others from Ocean View, Masiphumelele and Red Hill. Last year, we were overwhelmed with over 300 angel donations.”
Ms Du Preez said: “What stands out is how meaningful the experience is. One lady shared how she waits for the tree to go up and that she was bringing her daughter to choose an angel together – moments like these make it so special.
“These are the times when we can give back to those less fortunate. It’s a season of giving, and sometimes we take for granted what we have. When you read a child’s wish for something as simple as a soccer ball or a nail set, it puts everything into perspective and makes it all worthwhile.”
A mother, who wanted to remain anonymous, told how the Giving Tree had made a difference for her son last year.
“When this project started, my 6-year-old son really wished for a Spider-Man skateboard. He got his wish, and it warmed our hearts because I’m the only one working, earning a minimal salary, and I couldn’t afford it.
He also received a special letter from a little girl, along with a R50 note. He was over the moon and still enjoys his gift today. There was even a helmet included.”
She added: “I just want to say thank you to South Peninsula Rotary and Longbeach Mall for this project. You’ve brought back the Christmas magic. Thank you to everyone who donated, and especially to the family that made my boy’s wish come true.”
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