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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Thousands of children in the greater Mossel Bay area shared in the spirit of Christmas at the end of 2017, thanks to a generous sponsorship and the successful co-operation of several non-governmental organisations.
This joint venture was the initiative of the local NGO forum.
For the first time, 17 local NGOs joined forces and presented a collective proposal to Grinaker/LTA, which sponsored the project.
The Christmas outreaches were not only hosted in the suburban areas of greater Mossel Bay, but the surrounding rural areas were also taken into account and events were hosted there too.
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According to Jerome Meyer, chair of the NGO forum in Mossel Bay, the aim of the project was to cater for 6 000 children.
The event format was set to be duplicated, and apart from the Christmas festivities, included an opportunity to empower children with essential safety tips for the summer holiday.
Maryke Zeeman from the municipal traffic department and the ever-popular Danny Cat shared road safety tips, while Warrant Officer Tatta Marks from the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit spoke to the children on how to be on the alert for sexual abuse.
In lieu of summer fun in the surf, tips regarding water safety were also shared.
Grinaker/LTA project leader Mark Augustine said being involved at the PetroSA shutdown for a few months last year, he had become highly aware of the needs among the community of Mossel Bay, which acted as a catalyst for his firm's involvement.
He expressed his admiration for the way in which the NGOs worked as a unified force.
Jerome Meyer echoed this, saying the co-operation among the different organisations was simply heart-warming.
"Many people say there is no co-operation in Mossel Bay. It is simply not true."
During the Christmas events hosted, Augustine encouraged the children to be leaders.
"That's what Jesus did. He was a leader and he led by example. You must realise that each and every single one of you is a gift from God.
"You are the leaders - the future presidents, doctors and CEOs. We had our opportunities.
"Now, it is your turn. It doesn't matter what people tell you to bring you down, say: 'No, I am a leader'," Augustine said.
The next project to be funded is the Garden Route Cancer Relay For Life which will take place the 3rd of March at D'Almeida stadium.
Following that event will be the renovations at the Great Brak Multi-Purpose Centre. In the second quarter of this year the sponsor will start with the listed projects as proposed by the NGO Forum.
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