Christmas Day giving at Maloney’s Eye Primary School

Maropeng and Bryanston-based goodwill organisation Dads’ Charity recently joined forces to bring Christmas to the children of Maloney’s Eye, a rural primary school situated near the Maropeng Visitor Centre.

Each year, Dads’ Charity arranges a sponsored cycle challenge from Johannesburg to Durban to raise funds for the less fortunate.

The group of concerned fathers identified Maloney’s Eye – a school Maropeng “adopted” in 2006 – as the primary beneficiary for the funds it raised on its 2010 event.

“We felt, as fathers, that we wanted to help children who don’t have families to support them,” says Rob Jackson, chairperson of the charity organisation.

On November 29, learners at Maloney’s Eye enjoyed a fun-filled Christmas Day, complete with gifts and food parcels – and a visit from Father Christmas. The Dads’ Charity-sponsored event was organised by Maropeng, with food parcels donated by Pick n Pay.

According to Maropeng education and marketing executive Magel van de Venter, it was a poignant occasion for the Maropeng staff who attended.

“It was very moving for us to see the gratitude in the children’s eyes,” she says. “Many of them have never experienced Christmas giving.”

Maropeng and Maloney’s Eye have developed a special relationship over the years, says Magel.

Maropeng has developed a vegetable garden at the school and, this year, it upgraded the school’s ablution facilities.

Funds for this support come from donations made by visitors to Maropeng; money thrown into the “wishing well” in foyer of the Tumulus building is used to support the school.

Dads’ Charity hopes to continue its work with Maropeng and Maloney’s Eye Primary School. “Hopefully once we’ve helped enough here to make the school become self-sustaining we can move on to the next school and the next project,” says Rob.