News

The Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park carried out a series of festive community outreach initiatives on 17 and 18 December 2025, aimed at supporting social upliftment during the festive season.

On 17 December 2025, an early Christmas giveaway for 40 children from the Sanddrift community was hosted at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp. The event provided a safe and welcoming setting where children received festive gifts and treats. Hosting the event within the park provided the children with an opportunity to experience the protected area, thereby helping to build positive relationships between the park and young people from surrounding communities.

The outreach continued on 18 December 2025 with a Christmas lunch for 11 families from the Covie community. Held at the Anglican Church of Southern Africa in Covie, the gathering brought families together for a shared meal and the distribution of Christmas gifts, contributing to household well-being and encouraging a sense of dignity and togetherness.

These initiatives reflect SANParks’ continued commitment to supporting neighbouring communities in practical and meaningful ways. By including communities in the celebration of important periods such as the festive season, SANParks promotes inclusion, builds trust, and strengthens long-term relationships with communities living adjacent to national parks.