MORE than 300 underprivileged children from nine homes attended the Phumelela Christmas Tree raceday at Turffontein on Sunday.

They were entertained in a special area near the parade ring before being treated to lunch in the Aquanaut Room. Later in the afternoon Father Christmas (William McLean of Isizwe Hospitality) handed out Christmas presents to the children.

“Phumelela is involved in several community projects, but our Christmas Tree is the most touching,” said Phumelela’s GM Marketing and Communications Robert Garner. “We get together as many underprivileged children as we can deal with and treat them to a lunch, as well as giving them Christmas presents. These are kids from a variety of unhappy backgrounds and the aim is to bring a ray of light and love into their lives for one day.”

Phumelela’s contribution to the Christmas Tree comprises a cash donation and the raceday. The balance of the money is raised through the sale of race sponsorships and hospitality tables at the event.

Phumelela expresses its sincere gratitude to all who contributed, in particular the race sponsors: Mike de Kock Racing Stables, Betting World, Transport International, Martin Collins, The Racing Association, The Citizen, Tyres 2000 and Investec.

“In addition to all those who made financial contributions, special thanks are due to Makro Crown Mines for helping with the presents and to Isizwe Hospitality for all their assistance and a generous donation. Our grateful thanks also to Tellytrack presenter Julie Alexander, the driving force operationally behind Christmas Tree, Marketing Co-Ordinator Claudia Johnson, On Course Events Manager Cherise Sham and On Course Events Co-Ordinator Khanya Langa.”