City Parks treats Children

Father Christmas puts smiles on faces of children at Glenesk Park

Father Christmas paid a visit to Glenesk Park, where he handed gifts to delighted children and spread some festive cheer.
CHEERS erupted as young children rushed to greet Father Christmas who arrived on his sleigh at Glenesk Park in Springfield, in southern Joburg, on Thursday, 15 December.

Glenesk Park was full of joy as Father Christmas came for a visitGlenesk Park was full of joy as Father Christmas came for a visitExcited mothers jostled to have Father Christmas hold their babies for a few seconds. Delighted children were immediately organised by City Parks workers into lines to receive small bags with gifts from the jolly man in red.

“If you have not been good this year, Father Christmas will not be giving you any present,” said one of the residents, much to the disgruntlement of some children who were waiting anxiously to receive their gifts.

But after receiving them, the children rummaged through their bags to see what Father Christmas had brought for them. Their faces beamed with joy as they whisked out sweets to suck.

The party was hosted by City Parks staff, who mingled with children to make sure that they had a good time.

Linden Zulu, City Parks’ facility co-ordinator, said the aim of the event was to ensure that vulnerable children experienced some form of the joy and delight of Christmas. “We have been doing this for almost 10 years and it encompasses everything we are about, making dreams come true.”

She added that the day was made possible by the generosity of City Parks workers who had donated R20 each to buy the gifts for children.

Colleen Jackson, a Springfield resident who brought her grandchild to see Father Christmas, said it was a day to remember. “Most families are battling to provide for their children and this is an amazing experience for them,” said Jackson.

Another resident, Hannelie Prinsloo, thanked City Parks workers for being thoughtful. “It means a lot,” said Prinsloo, who joined her children at Glenesk Park. “For some children this might be the only present that they will get this year.”

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