By: Nomvula Ndlovu

It was a fun filled day at the Makabongwe Methodist Pre-School, as the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) team held it annual Santa Shoebox Project celebration this week.

The occasion was part of the National Santa Shoebox Project, which aims to give Christmas gifts to children from underprivileged backgrounds in orphanages, children’s homes and care centres across the country.

Donors from all over Durban dropped of their Shoeboxes at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Makabongwe was one of the fortunate centers to be elected by the project organisers.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the ICC, Nicolette Elia-Beissel, said that the experience was worth while and exhilarating.

“Its enjoyable to get out of the office and be reminded that this is what we all worked hard for. The Durban ICC was built to give back to Durban City and KwaZulu-Natal. Its times like these when you are reminded that it is people like this that benefit through job creation and economic generation,” she said.

The children were keen to show off their singing and dancing talents to the ICC team.

The beautifully designed gift boxes were filled with toys, toiletries, an item of clothing and refreshments. The Catering team made a delectable Christmas cake, which brought priceless smiles to the children’s faces.

One of the learners, Blessing Bangwayo, said, “ I am excited about the gift- I thank the visitors and I can’t wait to show it off to my parents.”

The Principal, Theresa Lukan, could not hold back her tears as she passed on her vote of thanks.

She said, “ I can’t even begin to express my gratitude, I think my emotions tell exactly how grateful I am. The is the second year we have been recipients and I think that this is a an amazing initiative.”