A crowd of more than 13 000 people arrived from all over Gauteng and neighbouring provinces. Live performances were given by Jo Black, Karen Zoid, Kurt Darren, Charlize Berg, Nadine, Nianell, Swing City, Nick from Rubber Duc and the Ndlovu Youth Choir. Jacaranda FM’s presenters were broadcasting live from the location.
Children were able to go to the 'SPAR kiddies’ area, which had jumping castles, face painters, games, crafts, buskers, movies and more.
Entrance to the event was free, however, 200 giant boxes of toys were collected for children in need and a total of R55 500 was raised for Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels through candle and songbook sales.
In addition, Piet van Vuuren, Inland Advertising and promotions manager of SPAR donated R50 000 toward the contribution of gifts, following the cancellation of the Johannesburg event on Saturday, 8 December due to adverse weather conditions.
Van Vuuren says he did not want donations to go remiss to orphans expecting gifts from both Pretoria and Johannesburg SPAR Carols by Candlelight events.
The event was set to feature Connell Cruise, Craig Lucas, Paxton, Swing City, Claire Johnston, Rubber Duc, Roan Ash and the Ndlovu Youth Choir. Although the event was cancelled approximately one hour before it began, it still managed to collect more than 30 boxes of toys and R12 300.
"SPAR Carols by Candlelight is firmly established as the way to start your festive season," says Kevin Fine, Jacaranda FM’s general manager.
"Year after year, we are blown away by the electric atmosphere at this event and the generosity with which our listeners make a massive positive impact in the lives of people they don’t know, and may never meet. Our hope is that this marks the start of a safe, happy and blessed time for all," Fine adds.
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