Swingin' Christmas arranges Christmas toys and stationery collection for children in need

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But spare a thought for those less fortunate, who will not have the opportunity to see the wonder of Christmas come to life in any form; that being the many children in need in our country.

For this reason, The CoLab Network, Johannesburg Big Band, The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City and all those involved in Swingin' Christmas both on and off stage, have joined forces to encourage all those attending the show that evening, to bring along either a toy or items of much needed stationery, which will then be handed over to The Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children, for distribution to the many children in need they support.

The support will extend even further though, than just the patrons on that one evening. Management at The Lyric Theatre have embraced this initiative, and have arranged that anyone wishing to participate, can go through to the Lyric Theatre the week of the show; from Monday, 25 November until Saturday, 30 November, during office hours, to drop off toys and stationery at their box office at Gold Reefy City, which will then be included with those items brought through on the night of Swingin' Christmas.

Recipient of gifts: Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children

Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children (TTBC) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring abused children are protected and rehabilitated. They provide therapy, counseling, assistance, love, comfort, safety and ongoing support to children who have been abused. The Teddy Bear Clinic does not only work with children, but with parents and communities empowering them with knowledge and skills so that we can help put an end to child abuse.

For more information, visit http://www.ttbc.org.za

This initiative forms part of The CoLab Network's CSI Project, Peace Starts; an organisation committed to not only raising awareness about the International Day of Peace (celebrated annually on 21 September) but so too, to show support to other organisations doing vital and uplifting work within the community, therefore creating more chance of peace in our country through their actions.

Says Cito, founder of Peace Starts and co-director of The CoLab Network; "In preparation for Swingin' Christmas, we realised that there was an opportunity to make some little hearts happy who are less fortunate than us. Whether you come to the show or not, we will be accepting presents for the Teddy Bear Clinic at Gold Reef City that whole week. In the spirit of Christmas, let's let the kids know that they're thought of!"

Let us join together to make a tangible difference in these children's lives. A moment we take to purchase a gift, will provide a lifetime of memories for the recipient.

Important notice:
For those purchasing toys for this initiative, please either mark on the wrapping as to whether the toy is for a boy or girl, and the relevant age; otherwise you can leave it unwrapped and the organisation will designate the gift accordingly, and then wrap it themselves.

SWINGIN' CHRISTMAS

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Swingin' Christmas celebrates the season with everyone's favourite Christmas Carols swung into a stylish big band sound starring the fabulous 17-piece Johannesburg Big Band, directed by Adam Howard.

Audiences will enjoy instantly recognisable hits like Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, Let it snow, Frosty the Snowman, Have yourself a Merry Christmas, All I want for Christmas is you and many others, all performed by some of South Africa's finest vocal talents whilst accompanied by the classic-feel of this big band sound.

Let Cito (of WONDERboom fame), Pixie Bennett (best known as "the dynamite" from Idols Season 5), Tracey-Lee Oliver (Dreamgirls, Motown, Blitz Patrolie) and introducing a bright new star Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri making his professional stage debut, all take you on a journey of pure delight and nostalgia with this show that's ideal for both young and the young-at-heart, for families and year-end corporate parties and everyone else in between.

Guitarist extraordinaire Martin Rocka will make a guest star appearance on rockabilly guitar.

There is no better way to end 2013 off with a bang, ahead of the holidays. Come and experience "Winter Wonderland" as never before!

Swingin' Christmas is on for one night only at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Saturday 30 November - at 8pm.

Tickets range from R130 - R170 and can be booked by calling The Lyric Theatre Box Office on (011) 248 5000 or online at www.goldreefcity.co.za or through Computicket.

Discounts for groups of 10 or more, senior citizens, scholars and students apply. Swingin' Christmas is an ideal option for corporate year-end entertaining, with special corporate hospitality packages available. Contact Paula Kelly at (011) 510 7905 or email moc.nusogost@ylleK.aluaP for further information.

Swingin' Christmas is proudly brought to you by The CoLab Network in association with The Lyric Theatre and Johannesburg Big Band.

For interviews and image requests in higher resolution, please contact Collett Dawson of The CoLab Network on moc.krowtenbaloceht@ttelloc