Once again our supporters enabled us to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer to our foundation and surrounding villages. The celebrations started early with a party for 36 children that attend our Day Centre. They were treated to a festive meal with good food and music……..

……and then they all performed a show for our residents. This show not only provides entertainment for our residents but is also an important opportunity for the children to socialise with people with disabilities and to learn that people with disabilities should not be shut away, as is traditional in Romanian society.

After the show their hard work was rewarded with a visit from Father Christmas!  All of the kids were thrilled to sit on Santa’s knee and all loved the presents that they received. The joy on their faces over the simplest of things (a diary or a hairbrush etc) would warm anyone’s hearts!

 

A few days later our celebrations included with a Pre-Christmas show performed by our residents. Everyone participated in traditional dances, party songs, Christmas carols and a small sketch. There was a lot of work put in by the staff and by the residents and their work paid off!

 

Next came the turn of the villagers, this year we had 2 Santa’s out at the same time enabling us to get to even more of the poor, sick, elderly or disabled.  We managed to get food hampers to over 40 families and toys to over 100 children in 15 different vilages. Who wouldn’t like to see Father Christmas standing on their doorstep!

Finally, on Christmas morning, Father Christmas came to our residents! They were all so excited to see him and were overjoyed with their presents. They then had a little party followed by a traditional Romanian lunch of stuffed vine leaves, chicken, pork, polenta and a dessert of ‘cozonac’!

 

Many Thanks to everyone that helped make this possible and here’s to a Very Happy 2014 for you all!