There are very few things that make you feel as good as doing something special for someone in need. The wonderful Santa Shoebox Project, now in its 16th year, allows members of the public the chance to share a little joy with an underprivileged child at Christmas time. Over the years the NGO has identified eight items that should be included in each box: a toothbrush, toothpaste, an outfit of clothing, facecloth, soap, school supplies, a toy and sweets. All items must be new and age-appropriate.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping have partnered up with Santa Shoebox and have become one of the official drop off points (next to Ocean Basket in the Palm Court from 4 to 6 November). Before this intense collection weekend, the mall’s info desk will be collecting boxes from 1 October to 3 November as well. Last year just over 1 600 shoeboxes were pledged for Umhlanga and this year the charity hopes to increase this number. To get involved simply registering on the website www.santashoebox.org.za and select a child to pledge to by their name, age and gender. A QR-coded label is generated, which must be secured to the shoebox, to ensure your box reaches the right little one.
13 November 2021
Why not treat yourself and your partner to a romantic date night spoil to welcome in the festive season this month? There are very few places as elegant and romantic as the Oyster Box Hotel’s stylish Grill Room, headed up by renowned KZN chef Kevin Joseph. This beautiful restaurant, which has been serving up wonderful cuisine and gracious service for more than 70 years, recently updated its menu – and it definitely has our stamp of approval! The food is sophisticated without being pretentious and full of wonderful surprises and flavours.
The Crispy Citrus Crayfish is a must-try as a starter, as are the Pan Seared Scallops, and for mains we can highly recommend the Norwegian Salmon, Silent Valley Wagu or Prawn and Crab Ravioli. The desserts are, of course, visual and flavour masterpieces and the wine selection absolutely on-point. Treat yourself to a spoil at this gorgeous spot, you know you deserve it! Details: To book call 031 514 5000
25 to 27 November
One of our very favourite diary events of the year is set to take place this month and we cannot wait! This year’s annual Christmas Country Fair at Collisheen Estate will run over three days, from 25 to 27 November (which includes a weekend day for the first time ever!). With their theme this year being Silver Linings – Community, the fair has loads of beautiful new creatives lined up, as well as an incredible Christmas Fair stand, filled with exquisite, handmade Christmas spoils.
Think ‘Christmas in A Box’, table runners, table clothes, napkins, cutlery holders and décor … all in rich colours and botanicals! Saturday will see the guys enjoying rugby on a big screen, a braai and craft beer for sale, and there be a children’s entertainment and craft area, where they can write letters to Santa!
In its 69th year, the fair is the Christmas Fair Fund’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The well-known, trusted NPO distributes funds to carefully selected organisations on the North Coast, with their focus being on education and health.
Tickets must be booked online and there is a special, discounted two-day ticket on offer. Entrance is R65 (kids 13 and under free) and there is a pensioner’s rate of R50 at the gate on Saturday. The fair will do late trading on Friday, until 7pm, with live music, late shopping and a champagne and gin bar!
