Christmas at Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa

The joy of Christmas reached 60 underprivileged children from Marsh Memorial Home after a “gift raising” initiative and Christmas party was organised by Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel, Cape Town’s landmark urban hotel renowned for its dedication to the spirit of “Ubuntu”.

The Christmas party on 21 December concluded  the hotel’s fundraising efforts as an additional platform for public assistance and donation opportunities, wherein each child attended the afternoon party and was given the time to experience care, love and  compassion.

With gifts ranging from school items, clothing, toiletries, stationery and electronics that will improve various phases of life, the hotel has spearheaded the “gift raising”  initiative by either sponsoring the gifts themselves or by appealing to their guests, suppliers and the  public who have added to the essential  items. Entertainment elements included a Christmas clown and face painting to underpin the youthful and fun aspects of Christmas.

“Miracles, hope and goodwill are integral elements of Christmas and we wanted to make a difference to the youth, a very important part of our  society,” says Mandela Rhodes Hotel & Spa GM, Desmond O Connor. “In turn we wanted to end the year off with a memorable impact, improving the children’s livelihood and ensuring they are given the life-skills and tools needed for a better life. Marsh Memorial Home is an inspiring haven, developing and preparing these inspiring, tenacious children for a better future and we are honoured to be part of this process.”

The Operation Marsh Memorial fund-raiser was organised by duty manager, Andre Steeneveld, assisted by all staff members of the hotel.

“It was a rewarding experience seeing the children’s faces and knowing that the past, dark hardships they have faced will be overpowered by this chance of hope,” adds O Connor.

Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa’s dedication to uplifting various communities have ranged from hosting the annual “Ubuntu Festival” and fundraising cook-off in July (with food being donated to shelters around Cape Town) as well as offering a compassionate, inspiring guest experience centered round “Ubuntu” while creating a cultural platform that both uplifts and showcases the art and talent of local communities.

Marsh Memorial Home is an essential care facility for children ranging from four to 18 years old suffering from environments of abuse, trauma and substance abuse.

Seen in the photograph above are (from left): Back: Andre Steenveldt (Mandela Rhodes Place duty manager and organiser of “Project Marsh Memorial”); Tyler Breedenkamp; Patrick Xhanti; Gadija Davids; Steven Moolman (Marsh Memorial Home director). Middle: Kaylene Bester; Nigel Saville (“Father Christmas”, a volunteer for Marsh Memorial Home); Mark Strydom (on Santa’s lap, left); Taryn Lee (on Santa’s lap, right); Lauren Macduff (standing). Bottom: Liam Benjamin; Noleen Coetzee.