Savanna Supports the local Tiyimiseleni Orphanage through the Pack for a Purpose organisation. Click here to find out more information on how you can support these children.

On Saturday 5 December 2009 a Christmas party was arranged by Savanna for the children of the Tiyimiseleni Home Based Care Centre. Savanna supports this worthy cause, which cares for 128 orphans ranging in age from 2 to 17 yrs of age. 

Sherreen Hagelthorn and Natasha Whyte, together with liason organizer Oriel Mhlongo who is Savanna's housekeeping manager, arranged a Christmas party for the 128 children, and 11 caregivers.  The local ward councilor for the area, Mr Douglas Mboweni, together with two local ndunas (village headmen) also attended the function.

All were entertained by the children's beautiful songs, mostly of gratitude for Savanna's generosity. There were also talent shows and dancing and lots of laughter. After initial speeches from Maggie and Marilyn, two of the caregivers, each child received a gift wrapped in colourful Christmas paper. This resulted in many delighted little faces. 

Mr Mboweni thanked Savanna for its contributions of food and money. He said that without this type of support, these children, who obviously have no direction or guidance from parents, had the potential to turn to crime.

On behalf of Savanna, Sherreen acknowledged the gratitude of the community and thanked the caregivers for their unselfish and outstanding commitment to these children. None of them receive any remuneration for their time and effort and Sherreen commended them for this. The ladies also received presents which were accepted with gratitude.
 
Savanna supplied a wholesome lunch and all the children sat outside and ate happily - some of them clutching a present under one arm.  Once they had finished each child was given a pack of sweets. The party ended at about 3 pm and it was truly a delight to see happy, well fed little faces. It was evident that fun was had by all.

The shareholders of Savanna donate a share of annual profits to the centre and a portion of money derived from Shangaan village tours is also allocated.  This money ensures that the children receive at least one meal per day and is also used for improvements to the centre.