ON behalf of the director, Trevor Wiblin, nursing manager, Sr Nonnie Mdaka, and staff of St Francis Hospice, our sincere thanks for the wonderful support for our patients and the children of the Paediatric Palliative Care Programme from The Herald Christmas Cheer so generously given this year. Many of our 635 patients and their families benefited from this public outpouring of warmth and caring, which offers food parcels, day care Christmas lunches, and support for the many grandmothers caring for orphans and vulnerable children.

Without your help we would not have been able to bring so much joy into so many homes at a time when it is much needed. Together, we really can make a difference! – Pam Lewis, resource facilitator, St Francis Hospice, Port Elizabeth

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THE Port Elizabeth branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans wishes to thank most sincerely all those organisations, schools and individuals who assisted with the recent Poppy Day collection. Indeed we thank sincerely those members of the public who made contributions by “putting something in the tin”.

The generosity and support we received from so many people overwhelmed and enabled us to realise the magnificent sum of more than R13000, that will assist us in carrying out our mission of caring for all ex-servicemen and women.

The poppy, the symbol of remembrance, has indeed blossomed in Port Elizabeth. – WM Bartie, branch treasurer, South African Legion

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ON behalf of the Eastern Province Mothwa organisation, I thank the public, family of our residents, many friends and organisations who very generously assisted in so many ways at our Frail Care Haven during the year. Further thanks go to the generous folk who contributed to our annual street collection and helped with our fetes.

The loyal Rotarians who organised the Tree of Joy, ensuring many would receive a gift this festive season, deserve a round of applause, as do the citizens of our city who gave so willingly.

To have a magical organisation like The Herald Christmas Cheer Fund in our midst is truly an extra boost for all in need. Thank you so much for the wonderful monetary gift we received.

To the management of Metlife Centre for permitting the Lions of St Croix to have a gift-wrapping table in the centre to raise funds for our cause, thank you.

We are truly blessed to have about us so many wonderful people who genuinely feel for the less fortunate and do not hesitate to give of their time or from their pockets. Albeit the past year has been very traumatic for many, we seem to have survived the worst and judging by all one reads in the media, improvements are forthcoming.

I trust you will all continue to enjoy the remainder of the festive season, may you be blessed abundantly and go forward into 2010 with a song in your heart. – Patrick Leite, manager, Mothwa Haven, Port Elizabeth

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AURORA Special Care Centre would like to say a very big thank you to all our volunteers and donors who have assisted us throughout the year. Without your support we would not be able to care for the profoundly handicapped children and adults in our care.

Thank you again and may you all be blessed as you have blessed us. – Wendy Claydon, PR and fund raiser, Aurora Special Care Centre, Port Elizabeth

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ON December 4, my non-profit organisation, Making Memories, organised and hosted Christmas parties for the 130 abandoned, abused and/or neglected children of Oosterland Youth Centre in Despatch. We hosted three separate parties to cater for the different age groups and the kids had such a great time at each of these events!

The above would not have been possible without the help of the kind hearted sponsors who assisted us in realising our goal. I would like to make special mention of Paul Hurley, of Hurley Consulting, Gary Stephenson, Ross Lange, Ubunye Industrial Services, and family and friends who donated money.

I would also like to say thank you to family, friends and community members who donated not only of their time, but who helped raise awareness and collect sweets and gifts. I would like to especially thank the Wild Rapids Spur in Uitenhage who donated an amazing 150-plus Spur burger meals, to Popsi the Clown for letting us use their venue at a discounted rate and entertaining the kids second to none, to Red Mountain in Cape Town for selling their bags to us at cost and for Round Table 14 who donated the funds to purchase 55 of these bags for the teenagers.

Also thanks to Annelie Jonker Photography for donating her time taking photographs and compiling slideshows of our events. Words will never be enough to express my gratitude to the above individuals and companies, but I would nonetheless like to convey my deepest and sincerest thanks to each and every one of them.

This Christmas project has taught me a lot, but most of all it has restored my faith in the kindness of humanity and that is something I will cherish for a very long time. – Desiré Lange, Uitenhage