Santa visits Sunshine Corner Crèche: A heartwarming Christmas celebration

The spirit of giving and community shone brightly when members of the De Grendel Lions Club hosted a Christmas celebration for children from the Sunshine Corner Crèche and Playschool Centre in Bothasig. 

The event took place earlier this month and reflected the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting local children and community organisations.

Four Lions spent the morning at the crèche creating a joyful, festive atmosphere, treating 19 children, along with eight staff members and volunteers, to refreshments and snacks.

The celebration was made even more memorable by the arrival of a special guest — Santa.

Santa, portrayed by Lion Jacques Mostert,  spent time with the children, listening to their stories, sharing laughs and handing out plenty of hugs.

 Once the initial excitement settled, the children eagerly gathered around him, enjoying the warmth and magic of the moment, he said.

The celebration concluded with every child receiving a Christmas gift from Santa, followed by more treats as the festive mood continued throughout the morning.

De Grendel Lions Club president Glenda Hon thanked the management of Sunshine Corner Crèche for welcoming the club and allowing them to share the message and joy of Christmas with both children and staff.

 She extended a special thanks to Lion Kathy Gentz, the programme convenor, and expressed appreciation to community members whose continued support of fundraising initiatives enables the club to carry out projects such as this.

Reflecting on the experience, Mr Mostert said that the festive season brings out his own sense of childlike wonder each year. 

“It is such a special time of the year,” he said. 

“I expected the children to be frightened, but they were all happy to see Santa.”

Lions Club member Terry Webb added a light-hearted moment to the day, saying he had always wanted to sit on Santa’s lap, and instead settled for giving him a big hug.