“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them”

Richard L. Evans

What is Xmas Torch?

Xmas Torch at its core is,‘an act of empathy andkindness towards the less fortunate’. It asks eachand everyone of us to take a moment to imagine theexperiences of the less fortunate children in our society,more importantly, to take a moment during one of themost lavish days of the year, to ‘feel’ them.Christmas Day being one of the most festive daysin the calendar is also the most dreaded for thesechildren. The very thought that they will once againwatch from the fence the extravagance, prodigality,and bounteousness in which we generally celebrateChristmas Day makes them question the value oftheir very own existence. Most of these children havenever even experienced the fundamental element ofChristmas Day, a gift.This is the whole concept of Xmas Torch; just a simplegift and a day to remember; a day to shine some lightinto their lives, hence Xmas Torch

How does Xmas Torch work?

Simple, through its executive committee, Xmas Torchorganizes Christmas Day event for the less fortunatechildren usually from select special homes across thecountry in the form of ‘a day out’. Acts of kindness do the rest, i.e. kind donationsof money from individuals and institutions fundthe logistics, venue, food, accommodation andentertainment.Individuals can donate by buying a “gift pack” orsponsoring a child on a “day out”. Each “gift pack”

is a back pack lled with a doll or football; books;

crayons; pencils, mathematical set; undergarments;socks; sweets and chocolates and sanitary pads forolder girls. The “day out” consist of a drive to one thenation’s National Parks. The children will eat, drink,play, dance and receive gifts. An individual couldtake pride in being part of the gift giving packagedby organizers that are presented in a special way.Entertainment groups such as Kayamba Africa haveoften been exceptionally kind with their complimentaryentertaiment which leaves the children with anunforgettable Christmas experience; and that’s whatwe aim to achieve.