Renthia Kaimbi
For ten years, a family-led initiative in Henties Bay has brought Christmas joy to children who might otherwise go without.
What began in 2015 as a small act of kindness has grown into a cherished community event known as Charmy’s Heart of Hope.
The initiative started when founder Charmaine Jansen noticed how some children in the town were left out of the Christmas spirit.
“Every year, many of us gather joyfully with our loved ones to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Yet, some children do not have the privilege of experiencing that same warmth, joy, and love,” Jansen said.
That realisation led her and her family to host a Christmas party using their resources.
“Seeing a child’s face light up when receiving a plate of food and a small gift is a feeling beyond words,” she said.
Over the years, the event has grown in size and anticipation. Children across Henties Bay now look forward to it each December.
“As early as December, the children begin looking out for signs around our home, eagerly awaiting the announcement,” Jansen said.
The organisers have always focused on preserving the children’s dignity. They do not share photos from the event publicly, keeping them only for family memories.
While Henties Bay is a small coastal town, the initiative’s work highlights the real challenges many children face.
The Jansens believe that offering one joyful day filled with food, gifts, and care can have a lasting impact.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Charmy’s Heart of Hope. Having long relied on the support of family, friends, and local partners, such as Spar Henties Bay and the Capricorn Group, the organisers are now calling on the wider community to get involved.
They said the 10th anniversary marks a celebration of outreach, love and hope and called on individuals and businesses to help make this milestone Christmas extra special.
The organisers urged the community to support their mission of bringing joy to the less fortunate children of Henties Bay.
