It is a tale of caring and vision. Of selflessness and commitment. A story that began 70 years ago when a few North Coast farmers’ wives decided it was time to lend a helping hand to the struggling communities around them. It is a story that brings testimony to the strength behind the Christmas Fair Fund’s theme this year – ‘when women gather, great things happen’.
In 1952, prompted by Shirley Jex and Ruby Stewart, a group of ladies set out to raise funds for a car for the local clinic sister. A fair was organised around Christmas time in the (then) Stanger town hall, selling homegrown produce and beautifully crafted handwork. The cost of the car was 100 Pounds, but the Fair raised 500 Pounds.
Buoyed by their success, the ladies started supporting other deserving causes and the Christmas Fair became an annual institution. The non-profit organisation, the Christmas Fair Fund, was born.
All members of the Christmas Fair Fund are volunteers who give freely of their time, talents and expertise. It is a testimony to the dedication of these special women that the organisation has survived for 70 years. The founder, Shirley Jex, followed by a succession of talented and dynamic chairladies, have steered the fund from humble beginnings to the influential, caring and respected organisation it has become.
Shirley also started the famous Umvoti Mouth bridge day at her home at Jex Estate, to raise extra funds for the growing needs of the Lower Tugela district communities. The Christmas Fair Fund bridge day has been a fixture on social calendars for many years. In later years the very stylish event, supported by bridge players from far and wide, was also hosted by Hotel Izulu and Braeside.
When Deids Rush took over from Shirley as chairlady, an era of very glamorous fundraising events followed. Fabulous fashion shows in collaboration with Durban Designers and Durban Fashion Week, glorious ‘flowers through the home’, musical soirees, the annual Hirsch’s Golf Day and informative talks graced the social calendar of the North Coast. These must-attend events were always generously sponsored by the hosting venues: Collisheen Estate & Wedding Venue, Zimbali, Hotel Izulu, Simbithi Country Club, Sibaya, Mt Edgecombe Country Club, Umhlali Country Club and the beautiful homes of the Hulett, Stewart, Rey and Milstead families.
Deids Rush was followed by Monica Mansfield, Sandy Keil and Shirley Yates, June Garner, Michelle Blake and present chairlady, Gaby Lyle. Finances have been ably managed by Ruby Stewart, Liz Osborn, and Olga Serton. Vice chair and secretarial positions were managed by Sue Rowland, Michelle Loynes and Gill Campbell. Over the years a membership of 48 volunteers have given of their time and talents in supporting 24 sustainable projects, initiatives and individuals.
All funds raised by the Christmas Country Fair and other fundraising events were and continue to be distributed to sustainable, well-run local organisations, institutions and individuals in the Lower Tugela District. The focus has remained on education and health and, over the years, many individuals, schools, clinics, feeding schemes and homes and shelters for the vulnerable have been beneficiaries.
Long-standing projects supported by The Christmas Fair Fund include: Lower Tugela Bursary Fund, St Lukes Home of Healing, Westbrook Retirement Village, Hearts that Hope, Summerhill House, Nkgobongo Resource Centre, North Coast Courier Orphan Fund, to name a few.
The success story of this well-run NPO is due to the incredible committee of WOMEN, our community that have supported and sponsored, our media partners Get It Magazine Ballito Umhlanga, Life & Style 88fm and Magazine, The North Coast Courier and the grace of God.
The Country Fair
Seventy years later, the Christmas Country Fair is now one of the biggest of its kind in KZN, welcoming 5 200 visitors last year. Supported by vendors and shoppers from across the country, the Christmas Country Fair has grown into a beautiful showcase of South African creatives, designers, makers, bakers, crafters, producers and foodies. We provide a platform to showcase, do good business and support the community.
We launched our first Easter Country Fair this year during challenging times, contending with postponement due to floods, and relaunched it as ‘After the Storm’. We are excited for what next year holds for an Easter event!
The success of our fundraising initiatives is due to the passion and commitment of our talented members, all of whom are women who have a heartbeat for the upliftment of our community.
We have grown a brand in showcasing the talents of our Christmas Fair Fund creative team, who deliver exquisite on-trend season-themed products and fresh products.
This year’s Christmas Country Fair is scheduled for 24 to 26 November at Collisheen Estate & Wedding Venue. It’s going to be big … we have 70 years to celebrate! Tickets will be on sale online, and because parking is limited, visitors are encouraged to buy tickets online. Vendor applications go live on our website on 29 July 2022 and the priority is to showcase South African produced products. We welcome new members!
Details: Fair enquiries: [email protected], or visit
www.thechristmasfairfund.co.za, FB, IG @thechristmasfairfund
Dressed by: MUZE | Photographer: Barry Bowditch
