Last week, one of our AAF teams in rural South Africa celebrated as if it were Christmas — because for 85 children, it finally was. After months of waiting, the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Box 2025 project arrived at a primary school supported by AAF, where many students have been impacted by gender-based violence.
As the first chill of autumn settled over the mountains, the schoolyard erupted with shrieks of joy. Christmas had come late, but it had come beautifully.
Joseph, one of our dedicated partners, received 85 lovingly prepared shoeboxes in the city, loaded them into an AAF vehicle, and drove five hours to deliver them to the children. Many of these young ones have never received a personal gift before, yet their gratitude was unmistakable.
To honour the occasion, the students were allowed to wear “civvies” — a treasured treat — trading uniforms for colour, movement, dance, and play. It was a day to practice joy, dignity, and thankfulness.
- 85 children received a Christmas gift box.
- 85 children arrived in their Sunday best to celebrate.
- 85 generous supporters saw their gifts placed into eager hands.
After a difficult holiday season marked by scarcity, these shoeboxes carried more than toys or treats. They carried hope — the kind that reminds a child they are loved, seen, and created for a purpose. Hope that whispers, “Your story matters.”
This moment also reminds us how global conflict affects vulnerable communities first. Fuel shortages and rising costs reach rural South Africa just as they touch families in Camden. The same pressures ripple across continents, but hope continues to push back.
Today, we choose celebration. Put on your Sunday best in spirit and dance with us. Because through your support of AAF, 85 children received extraordinary, extravagant hope — wrapped in a simple shoebox.
With heartfelt thanks,
Dr Jane Gray
Deputy Chair, AAF