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No Christmas Fantasy this year

No Christmas Fantasy this year

Date: 2014-11-07
More than just a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Durban North, the Christmas Fantasy held at Virginia Circle Model Railway every December, has become one of the highlights on the events calendar in Durban North. Unfortunately, due to the rising costs of putting on the event and the lack of sponsorship, there will be no Christmas Fantasy this year.

The biggest losers will be the many children from disadvantaged circumstances who looked forward to the event. Thanks to contributions from sponsors such as Mr Price, Checkers and Jockey SA, the club has been able to invite disadvantaged children to attend an evening dedicated to them every year. In 2013 over 800 children attended the Fantasy and of those children approximately 200 were from the disadvantaged community and local Children's Homes. They enjoyed the same entertainment as the paying public which included: train rides, jumping castles, a magic show, face-painting, a gift from Father Christmas and hotdogs, chips and cool drinks to keep their energy up during all the fun activities.

From its beginnings in December 2006 when the late Dave Flitton, a long standing member of Rotary, suggested that the club put on an event to bring some old-fashioned Christmas cheer to the community, the Christmas Fantasy has brought together Rotarians, Anns, family of Rotary and volunteers from local schools and the community as they gave generously of their time to make this 6 day event a success.

Dael Connolly, President of the Rotary Club of Durban North said: "The hard work and dedication put in by club members, Anns and volunteers each year is remarkable. The Christmas Fantasy takes months of preparation and planning but the joy on the children's faces always makes it all worthwhile. Everyone involved in the event is very disappointed that it will not be taking place this year. Without a substantial sponsorship to cover the costs of the Christmas light display, hiring of marquees and the Durban Society of Model Engineers fee, the event would run at a huge loss. The Christmas Fantasy is a real labour of love for the Rotary Club of Durban North. Hopefully with the support we receive from the Durban North community and a generous sponsor, we will once again be able to bring cheer to children, both advantaged and disadvantaged, in 2015."