By Julia Matthew | Managing Director
Dear Donor,
From exchanging gifts to gorging on scrumptious meals, from decorating a Christmas tree to singing Christmas carols - the Christmas season is a special time of the year. El Shaddai also puts on a special Christmas party with food and games for the street, slum, orphaned and destitute children of Goa at the Day Centre in the middle of the city and at the five homes that we run.
The celebration began with the distribution of cheesecake, and gifts and the arrival of Santa in a Red Jeep. There were lots of entertainment shows like bubble show, Fire show, fireworks, story narration through skits, and dance performances by the children. We provided special snacks, food, drinks and ice creams. The children loved the music that was played by the DJ and it was great to see the children and the staff dancing and enjoying the music. The happiness on the children's faces was so heartening to behold given the hard times so many of them had endured in their short lives. It is heart-warming to see the joy on their faces at this time.
Due to the high level of poverty, for the majority of the population, it's not possible to buy presents and have a big feast. For the children we work with, who have been living a hand-to-mouth existence on the streets, we want them to know that they matter. Each year we have a party and a special meal and they all get a present. This will enable these children to feel special and that they belong. It's important that they have a sense of belonging to the El Shaddai family. This will help them to feel engaged in their education and within the life of the local community and be less likely to become involved in an activity which targets those who are isolated and not engaged and valued within their local communities.
During Christmas, we also extended a helping hand to those in need. We distributed hot delicious meals and blankets to the less fortunate adults, to keep them warm in the chilly winter season. Spread Joy in the neighbourhood Just like Diwali or Holi, distributing sweets in the slum areas on Christmas too! So thank you for your support and for helping children experience God's Love this Christmas. We would really appreciate your continuing support this coming Christmas. It will be here sooner than you think! Raising these funds will enable us to supply each child with a special meal and a present just for them.
Thank you!
El Shaddai Charitable Trust
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