Your Support Matters
As Christmas draws near, we naturally pause and look back on the year that is ending. Another year has passed — a year that shaped us in different ways. For many of us, it was a year of growth, learning, and quiet strength. For others, it was a year marked by loss, pain, and saying goodbye to family members, friends, and colleagues who held a special place in our lives. We also welcomed new faces, new colleagues, and new connections who reminded us that life continues, even after difficult seasons.
Standing on the eve of Christmas invites reflection. It is more than a date on the calendar or a festive tradition. At its heart, Christmas carries a message of deep meaning and hope. It reminds us that Jesus came into the world for all people. In God’s greater plan, no one was excluded, overlooked, or pushed aside. His arrival was an open invitation — one that crossed boundaries and reached people exactly where they were.
At the Mossel Bay Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (MBAPD), this message speaks directly to who we are and what we strive for every day. Inclusion is not a slogan for us; it is a commitment. We believe that everyone belongs, everyone has value, and everyone deserves dignity, opportunity, and compassion. Just as the Christmas message embraces all, we work towards a community where no one feels unseen or forgotten.
As we move through this final part of the year, may you take a moment to realise that this message of hope and inclusion is also meant for you. You are part of the invitation. You are seen, valued, and included.
May you step into 2026 with renewed hope and quiet joy. May the peace of Christmas stay with you long after the decorations are packed away — guiding you, strengthening you, and reminding you throughout the year ahead that you truly belong.
Written by Theresia van Rensburg