'Gift of Love and Time' Christmas Tree

Brescia House School prepared a very special gift for the children of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital this year – a very special, one-of-a-kind Christmas tree. This magnificent tree was 100% hand-made by a group of Brescia House School parents, grannies, aunts, alumnae, pupils and staff across a period of 4 months in 2019. The objective of the tree was to show community spirit and teamwork in action. Every stitch knitted, crocheted or sewn, every rod welded together, or rope tied, helped create a uniquely South African Christmas tree that once seen, is not easily forgotten. It gets lit up from the inside at night and spreads a gentle glow. One 7-year-old said she could feel love coming off the tree into her as she stared at it. A 10-year-old said he was going to sit looking at it for half an hour, so he could start off his day feeling warm and loved. Yet another little girl said she could see that those who made it all understood the most important criteria about teamwork, working together for a common goal – Mandela’s message to us all! This is why this tree now stands in the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital for the year of 2020! Our hope is to bring joy, love and special blessings to everyone in the hospital at this most unusual time!