An Ocean View woman played Fairy Godmother and saw to it that matric pupils had a ball.
The 80 learners from Ocean View Secondary School attended a special farewell at the Rocklands Centre in Murdoch Valley organised by Mutheera Fortune and Ocean View residents.
“The children from the local high schools approached me and asked if we could do something for them,” she explains.
“They came to me because I am a community worker and I have a soup kitchen.
“The number of requests grew and I thought I should definitely do something.
“Their schools couldn’t host the matric balls (due to Covid-19 restrictions) and some of the children held their own events at their homes. But those who came couldn’t afford that.”
Mutheera says they had fundraising events and several sponsors came on board.
“We raised funds by selling boerewors rolls, we had raffles and we had donors also for cash.
“The community workers and people from the surrounding areas like Noordhoek and Fish Hoek contributed to the beautiful event we had on Thursday.
“We had motor companies and the children chose which cars they wanted to drive in.
“People gave their matric dresses and the boys were given vouchers to buy their attire. We had hairdressers who came through and did their hair,” she explains.
She says the event started at the library, where the children were seen walking on the red carpet.
“Community members suggested that we have them walking there so the parents could also see how beautiful they were.”
Mutheera adds: “This was to give back to those children who have been struggling financially, who have been going through a lot of things, who don’t often get opportunities to motivate them to go further.
“For those whose parents have left them orphaned, it was a great experience for them.”
She says her phone has been buzzing with thank you messages from the kids since last Thursday.
Matric learner Chelsea Potts said in a text to Mutheera: “Wow wow what can I say am speechless of what you have done for us.
“All thanks to you and the team, it’s only God who made it possible, thanks so much I can’t thank you enough but may God bless you and keep you for more matrics to come. (sic)”