Carrick Cares - Christmas Shoebox Initiative
28 January, 2016

Carrick Cares – Christmas Shoebox Initiative - Signature of Hope Trust

The Christmas Box initiative involved the preparation of Christmas presents for gifting to orphaned and disadvantaged children in and around Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The boxes, in the form of shoe boxes were filled with clothing, age appropriate toys / stationary and a little treat. Children's homes and support organisations were identified by Carrick staff and a group of volunteers from each office visited each home, handing the gift boxes to each child and spending a few hours entertaining the children.

Homes that were visited:

Durban: Total of 200 Boxes donated

  • St Thomas Home for Children
  • Durban Child and Youth Care Centre
  • Isibukosezwe Creche
  • Isiaiah54

"We were received with great excitement and enthusiasm at St Thomas. The children rushed over to give hugs and smiles and help carry presents inside. As it was tea time, we also brought with us cold drinks and biscuits for the children to enjoy. Once everyone was settled in the dining room, the gifts were individually presented to the children. Unwrapping began as soon as everyone had a gift in front of them. And this was where the excitement overflowed. The treats and toys were received with gratitude and joy; the smiles and excitement as they explored their gifts was priceless. The children then treated us to a traditional song, followed by "We wish you a Merry Christmas". It was very evident in the way that the children tightly clutched their gifts, that they did not have a lot to call their own and these were going to be treasured. More hugs followed as we said tearful good byes and left them to enjoy their treats." Tania Smith, Carrick Cares Volunteeer

Cape Town: Total of 40 boxes donated

  • Home of Hope

"On behalf of the management board, staff and children of Home of Hope we would like to sincerely thank you for the clothing, uniforms and the braai for Christmas. We are truly appreciative of the kindness and generosity you have shown us. Home of Hope would not be in existence if it were not for the support of people like you and for that we remain indebted with gratitude. We thank you for partnering with us, for helping us make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children that have been abused, abandoned and neglected and those who suffer from Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and HIV." Eleanor Brook, CEO – Home of Hope

Johannesburg: Total of 175 boxes donated

  • Terbanacle Christian Academy

"All 175 kids got their personalised Christmas box. They were extremely happy and grateful to receive these gifts, which looked amazing. We had 5 volunteers go through to the school which is based in an informal settlement in Midrand to present the gifts to the children. The Principal, Patricia, was over the moon with the effort and special attention that was put into the whole event and could not thank us enough. All in all a job well done." Jonathan Boyd, Carrick Cares Volunteer

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