News & Events

CSEP Family Christmas Party 2009
The coolest “Shoobz” in Town!

On a dreary, wet Saturday evening, as the last of the Christmas shoppers trudged through the darkening streets of west Croydon, a band of CSEP staff and volunteers arrived at the CVA Resource Centre, ready to transform the conference room into “party heaven”, complete with Christmas tree, tinsel, stars and festive tables with Christmas-themed names.  Never mind the rain – we had a party to give! And boy, did we party - and did you, the families and friends of CSEP turn out to celebrate!

The evening kicked off with “musical statues” and musical bumps” and there was no shortage of willing players who proved to be the stillest of statues and stars of slam-dunk “bumps”, making the judges’ job of choosing who was “out” a nightmare.

“Pass the parcel” produced a snow–storm of discarded bits of newspaper as the players tore desperately at each parcel, determined to get to the “treasure” (well, the selection box) inside. And that was the older ones amongst us, including grown-ups!

By the time “musical chairs” was played, the spirit of competition was well and truly roused – and yet again, it was the oldest amongst us who played the hardest. Well done to all the winners, who triumphed with tasty treats and selections boxes which hopefully they shared nicely with their friends and families. For all your “Wiis” and “Playstations”, you can’t beat simple, old-fashioned (and cheap) games for getting everyone involved and having a good time.

And then there was the food – and Joshua Shand of Shand’s Catering provided Caribbean delights that did not disappoint. Among the tasty morsels we filled our bellies with were “Angelic Escovitch Fish”, “Bobsleigh BBQ Jerk Chicken” and “Celebration Curry Goat”, rounded off with a “Festive Fruit Platter” and sweetbread, orange Madeira and chocolate cakes, courtesy of Dot’s Kitchen. CSEP wants to say special thanks to Joshua and Dorothy for such wonderful treats. Thanks also to Jacinth for organising the catering and to Mareline, Kadia, Leonora, Pamela and Monica for serving all the guests.

The highlight of the evening was, of course, a visit from the great man himself the “Usain Bolt of the Skies” – Santa Claus! The children could not believe their luck that Santa had taken time out of his busy Christmas preparations to visit us and could not wait to tell him their (sometimes lengthy) Christmas present requests. And it wasn’t just the little children who wanted to get in on the act – it’s obvious that Christmas brings out the “little kid” in many grown-ups to, especially the Mums who wanted to visit Santa and sit on his knee. (Couldn’t blame them really – Santa was very charming!) True to form, Santa had a cheery smile and a lollipop for all his visitors; then, as quickly as he came he was gone again (something to do with double-parked reindeer and parking wardens in Croydon, I think). Thanks for coming, Santa, and hope to see you next year!

Throughout the evening the crisp tunes played by DJs Daniel and Peter of Private Affair ensured that ours was the best “Shoobz” in town and gave us all a chance to show off our cool party moves. And still there was more! The evening rounded off with a free prize draw, with several fantastic prizes, and of course every child went home with bags stuffed with goodies, all courtesy of the Parents and Children’s Association and kind donations by other friends of CSEP.

The evening was a fantastic success, thanks to the support shown by the young people, families, staff, volunteers and friends of CSEP, whether they came to party or to help (and many did both!).

Thank you to Dean and John for manning the door and to Beverly for her sterling work, single-handedly manning the ticket desk. Thank you to all those of you who gave us your time and your energy to make this event happen.

Look how strong we are when we unite!  Let’s take and make as many opportunities as we can to come together to work, to play and to celebrate for the benefit of CSEP.

Thank you, and Happy New Year for 2010

From Vee, Jacinth, Pat, Nicky and Sasha