As some people are already in the Christmas mood shopping, decorating Christmas trees, or traveling so that Christmas finds them with family and revel together, others, especially orphans and deprived people, could have no plans as they lack the necessary items such as food, and clothes for the special day.
It’s for this motive that some charity organisations have shown a gesture of love by collecting money and items, spend time together and dine with them.
Some of these are ‘Our past Initiative’ (a drive that educates the Rwandan young generation more on the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi) together with friends decided to spend the season with children of Shyorongi town, Rulindo District and Ngeruka, Bugesera district in an event dubbed, ‘Celebrate Christmas’.
The initiative, called upon the public to participate in donations of clothes, shoes, books, and other items that are still in good condition to give out to children between the ages two to 18.
The Shyorongi town event happened on December 18, and about 60 children received items such as clothes, and others while 10 families were given foodstuff to take them through a month.
Children also participated in games where they won gifts. According to Christian Intwari, the founder and director of ‘Our Past Initiative’, the next charity event for children in Ngeruka is scheduled for December 26, where 200 children will receive items like shoes, and scholastic materials.
Intwari stresses that 10 families will be given foodstuff to last them a month and more, and children will eat, drink, play, win prizes, and also be entertained by comedy night.
Singer and vocalist Ariel Wayz is also ready to perform for the children.
Intwari encourages people to give to others as it’s a blessing to share however little it is, because one doesn’t have to be rich to put a smile on other’s faces, and any gift can make a difference to someone’s life.
Also, YB Foundation, launched in honor of Yvan Buravan, through its ‘Twande’ initiative jubilated this season with children of Sheer love Rwanda on December 23.
These are former street children whom the centre shelters. At the event, they were handed gifts, scholastic materials at Spiderman Game Center limited.
Local artistes including Igor Mabano, Deborah Ikirezi and Divine Nshuti Muheto, the current Miss Rwanda graced the event, sung for the children and also shared with them messages of hope, respect, encouragement and wisdom.
This is the first charity that the foundation has done, and looks forward to supporting those in need, just as Buravan did.
Love the Kids Rwanda, a local non-profit and charitable organisation will organise a charitable organisation called, ‘Christmas with Children in Kimisagara’ on December 27 where 53 children will be served with food and drinks, among various gifts at Kimisagara, St. Peter's building.
Casmir Foundation, an organisation that aspires to help educate and invest in the next generation, in partnership with the City of Kigali, anticipate hosting 1, 500 children from underprivileged families in Nyamirambo’s neighborhoods to rejoice together while supporting 500 of them, who were once on the street, with scholastic materials.
The event will take place on December 31, at the Kigali stadium from 11am to 3pm and will host officials from the government and the national troupe ‘Urucyerereza Juniors.'
Children will showcase their talents, in singing, dancing, poetry, and engage in games such as face painting, and mouse and rat races, and will also be rewarded accordingly.