GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Since 1999, the Acacia Street Annual Project (ASAP), a Christmas lights project in Kroonvale in Graaff-Reinet, has brought joy to locals and visitors alike, every December.
The project saw people flocking to Acacia Street where locals decked out their homes with - among other - bright pulsing and colourful lights, Santa Clauses, trains, reindeers, sleighs, pinwheels, rainbows, Charlie Chaplins, bells, bows, bears and angels.
While there, visitors always donated generously to the project's beneficiary, the Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association.
Despite being called off in 2020 as a result of Covid-19, the organisers still had a great desire to assist the Association, but, with no drawcard with which to raise money, this seemed impossible.
Ms Jennifer Christians, however, had faith, and together with her son, Elvis, started asking their closest family and friends for donations. From there word spread like wildfire throughout the community, resulting in the members of the ASAP committee, again, raising a massive total of R30 000.
Although 2020, unfortunately, marked the end of this beloved project, the memories of those sparkly, glowing orbs in Graaff-Reinet's Acacia Street will forever be remembered and treasured by all who have had the good fortune to experience it.
The Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association extends their grateful thanks to the organisers of ASAP, for their years of dedication to this fundraising initiative and their passion for the Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association and those they serve. "The project proved a tremendous success for years thanks to their endless efforts," said Maxie van Aswegen on behalf of the Cancer Association. "We wish Mrs Christians all the best as she says farewell to Graaff-Reinet to go and live with her children. We're positive she'll serve her new community with the same love and care she so selflessly gave Graaff-Reinet."
The ASAP committee members are in front, from left; Felicity Murray, Japie Daniels and Jennifer Christians. Back: Jacky Isbell, Elvis Williams and Mieta Kruger.
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