On the 12th and 13th of December, Leos from SMK Assunta, SMK Taman Petaling, SMK La Salle and Petaling Jaya Integrity gathered to spread the Christmas cheer to several orphanages and old folks homes around PJ. Practices for carolling were held at Cameron Towers on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 28th and 30th of November. During that time, Leos practiced tirelessly to perfect their singing and to prepare for the upcoming project. Many even gathered to pack hampers and donations which were to be presented to the homes. Each orphanage received a hamper and some donations while the old folks homes received fruit baskets and donations.
After much planning and preparation, the project day arrived. Leos gathered in the Assunta school canteen for lunch at 11.30am before leaving for their first destination. Grace Villa Homecare was a cosy little home that housed the elderly from multiple backgrounds. Many of them were very happy to see the carollers and some even joined in to sing. The next home the Leos visited was Bellevue Residential Homecare. The Leos once again spread out to face all the residents of the home and filled the place with the Christmas spirit. Next, the Leos decided to take a rest at Lotus PJ State. Finally, they visited Praise Emmanuel Children’s Home. The children were very much excited to see Santa Claus and his bell as he entered the home. Everyone joined in and sang the carols and later, the kids were treated to a round of games and prizes. To end it all off, each kid got to take a picture sitting on Santa Claus’ lap while receiving their very own Famous Amos gift bag.
The following day was very much like the first. It all started with the Leos gathering at school for lunch at 11.30am. Then, the first home they visited at 1.00pm was Phyllis Caring Home. The Leos carolled along with the residents and were very much happy to greet everyone ‘Merry Christmas’ while belting out Feliz Navidad. The next home they visited was Precious Home. Every child was filled with glee as Santa came walking down the road, ringing his bell. Before they knew it, carols had been sung, games had been played, prizes had been given, presents had been presented and pictures had been taken. The Leos who left reluctantly were soon heading for their break at an Indian restaurant in Section 4, which was really near to the next home. It begun to drizzle as the Leos entered the very last home, Trinity Children Centre but that did not dampen their Christmas spirit! The children were overjoyed when Santa had a round of Santa Says and Statue Dance which earned them several prizes. After getting their gifts and taking a few pictures, the children had to say goodbye to the Leos as they boarded their bus to head back to SMK Assunta. The Leos reached the school at 6.00pm and were very tired after two long days but all the hard work and practice paid off after seeing so many happy faces this Christmas season. We hope that next year’s carolling is as much of a success as this year’s one.
Report by,
Leo Kendra Hema
