Update
HEIDELBERG NEWS - As their contribution to the Mandela Day Centenary Celebrations, the Kleine Pikkewyntjie Educare pre-schoolers invited and treated the Senior Citizens Club of their town.
It was their way of honouring the legacy of Madiba by this act of '67 minutes of goodwill' towards the elderly of the community.
The guests turned up dressed smartly in traditional African attire, while the staff of the local Duivenhoks Library treated all with song and dance. To top it all, the Mayor of Hessequa, Grant Riddles arrived and surprised each of the children with a packet of luxuries.
The main organiser of the day's event, the principle mrs Dot Paige said, "Since I became principal of this school this year, I have scratched my head thinking what kind of contribution I could make on this day; how I could involve the children, and reach out to the community. Then the idea came! A good Samaritan pledged to find sponsors for the event.
I contacted the mayor for his contribution, knowing his door is always open. Other sponsors, who prefer not to be named came on board as well - and today is the result! Thank you, everybody!"
Riddles said, "I felt so honoured today to be part of Kleine Pikkewyne's outreach to the elderly. Nelson Mandela is an icon; he has lead the way to freedom. He has spread love and togetherness. I felt the love and warmth from young and old here, which was wonderful to experience. I was delighted that the children chose to honour the elderly in this way."
Mrs Merle Paige echoed the mayor's words: "It was such a wonderful occasion for us, for which I want to thank Kleine Pikkewyne on behalf of the senior citizens.
Senior citizens showing off the knitted blankets.
Grant Riddles surprised the children with a packet of luxuries.
Mayor Grant Riddles in the middle with Dot Paige on his right, front, in traditional dress. Photos: Alex Marshall, correspondent
As senior citizens, we have embarked on our own project, namely the making and handing out of blankets to the elderly in need. Women in the club have worked for weeks on knitted blankets, and today we have handed over several of these blankets. The beneficiaries live amongst us, identified by members of the club.
We have also handed out a R600 food hamper to a family where there was no breadwinner for some time, and hence no income.
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