November Status Report by the Manager

The month of November has once again been a very busy and productive month for the Care Village.

The Care Village is still at full capacity with 85 children. The renovations to the additional house have been completed and the next step is to furnish the house with curtains, furniture etc before admitting additional children.

Towards the end of the school term, many of the children received awards, certificates and trophies for their academical achievements during the year. This attests of the hard work and diligence these children put into their studies.

During the month The Ridge Entertainment Resort hosted and sponsored a number of activities and initiatives for the children of the Care Village.

One was the presentation once again to each child of their own hygiene pack for the month containing toiletries etc. A donation of mealie meal and other much needed articles was also made at the same time.

All of the children and Care Givers (house parents) were treated to a Christmas Dinner at The Ridge which was a very special occasion. The staff of The Ridge gave individual attention to each and everyone of the children. They ensured that each child had their fill of the abundant food which was available, and when each child received a personnel gift, the expressions on their faces was a joy for all present, to behold.

A dance group from one of the local churches entertained the children with dances while at the same time bringing a spiritual message to the children, who were caught up in the spirit of the moment and took part by means of clapping and dancing.

A number of functions were held at some of the houses which were hosted by local churches in the community, while all the Care Givers (house parents) were invited to a local church where they were treated to a wonderful Christmas lunch and time of fellowship.

The house which was chosen as the neatest and cleanest house for the year was treated to supper at the Spur Restaurant which was sponsored by the Spur. This initiative will certainly serve as an incentive next year to the other houses.

The Management and staff of the Care Village wish to use this opportunity to express their appreciation to all organizations, companies and individuals who supported the Care Village during the year and to extend best wishes to all for the festive Season.

THE SPUR

The house which was chosen as the cleanes and neatest for the year was treated to supper at the Spur Restaurant which was sponsored by the Spur. This evening not only served as a reward for the children hard work, but will also serve as an incentive to motivate the other houses to improve their standards of neatness during the next year.

CARE GIVERS COURSE

All the Care Givers form the Care Village and a number of Care Givers form other organizations recently attended a National training course for Child Care Workers which was sponsored by a number of Canadien Rotary Clubs. At a recent function hosted by the local Rotary Clubs of Middelburg and Witbank, Chris Das, a representative from the Canadian Rotary Clubs handed a cheque over to the Manager, Colin Hasses to cover the costs of the course.

XMAS MESSAGE

The Board, Management and staff of the Middelburg Care Village wish to convey their appreciation to all organizations, companies and individuals for their support during the past year and to wish all a blessed FESTIVE SEASON.

EAR OPERATION

During the July school holidays The Ridge Entertainment Resort sponsored an operation to one of the ears of a 12 year old boy, Sibusiso who has been deaf virtually his whole life. Due to the success of the first operation, The Ridge once again sponsored an operation to his other ear at the start of December holidays. Though Sibusiso is still recuperating,we believe that it too will be successful. On the photo Sibusiso can be seen with his care giver, Me Nape.

XMAS DINNER

During November 2008 the children and care givers (house parents) were treated to a special
Christmas dinner at The Ridge Entertainment Resort. It was a privilege for those present to see the manner in which the staff of The Ridge cared for each child and ensured that they had more than enough to eat of the delicious food available. The expressions on their faces when they received their gifts will long be remembered by all who were present.