Jacaranda FM and SPAR's Carols by Candlelight raises R 500 000

On Wednesday, 6 December the SPAR Carols by Candlelight event took place in Pretoria at the SunBet Arena Time Square during a live performance. 

The concert was also streamed across the world for those who wanted to watch the concert with their families at home. According to the duo, 7 000 people joined the live event and 70 000 streamers from as far away as the United States, Netherlands, Botswana and United Arab Emirates also joined the unique festivities.

The duo says the theme in 2023 — 'Home For Christmas' — pays homage to those who travel and come together to share in the spirit of Christmas through music that cannot be heard anywhere else in the world.

Jacaranda FM and SPAR have produced an annual Christmas spectacle that features some of South Africa's most prominent musicians for 21 years — without skipping a single year to celebrate. 

"What a magical collaboration. To be transported through music and familiar carols sung in a way never heard before — is a very special thing to do — and we do it with the help of our world-class musicians," says Deirdre King, managing director of Jacaranda FM.  

"As we celebrate 21 years of this event, we also pay homage to those children who need Christmas cheer in the form of their very own Santa Shoebox; we feel incredibly privileged to evoke the spirit of giving as well," adds King. 

SPAR and Jacaranda FM asked fans to express their generosity and donate towards Santa's Shoebox so that over 1 000 children's homes in Gauteng receive a gift this Christmas. All donations and ticket proceeds ensured that Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels team could gift vulnerable children across South Africa with new toys.

Carolers were treated to carol mashups from:

Here's what a few artists had to say about their experience at SPAR Carols by Candlelight 2023:

"It's just awesome to be part of this event and all funds raised will buy 1 000 children Santa Shoeboxes to make sure they have a Christmas present of their own. Demi Lee and I sang Home — and that's where we all want to be for Christmas — and we hope everyone has a Christmas at home," says Kurt Darren. 

"We need to use our gifts to impact others, like we're doing tonight," says Judith Sephuma.

Charlize Berg says, "Jacaranda FM is such a great radio station to be involved with, as they are always helping people. This is my first Carols, and I think what we're all doing here is absolutely incredible."

"It's such a big honour to be part of this and to see the money raised going to such a great cause. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, and I can't imagine spending it alone without a gift. I think every child should be given a gift of their own, and I'm so grateful to be here and hope there is even more we can bless them in this time," says Demi Lee Moore. 

"It's wonderful to be part of Jacaranda FM's Carols. It's a lot of money raised to give 1 000 children Santa Shoeboxes, and just to be part of that is humbling — if you're out there, please try to give a Santa Shoebox of your own. Christmas is so special, and everyone deserves a little gift of their own," says Bernice West.

"This event is always such a great production, and Christmas is such an important holiday. Being able to share Christmas cheer through my gift with others is a blessing," Paxton says. 

"We're ecstatic to be at this event — this huge sold-out event where we can use our voices to raise more money to gift more children, we're very excited to be here," says the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Lloyd Cele says, "I believe that I've received this gift, and I have the opportunity to give back by using my gift with so many people and Christmas is an opportunity to give this gift to make someone else's lives better, put a smile on their face, and fulfil a purpose beyond."

"We love this time of year and Christmas. There's a beautiful line in Oh Holy Night, "When he appeared, the soul felt its worth," and I feel like this is what this event does — it makes people's souls feel their worth. It's a beautiful event, and it's amazing to be part of it — thank you for those donations," Swing City says. 

Maxine D'Amico, SPAR Inland advertising and promotions manager, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming success of 2023's SPAR Carols by Candlelight event.

"Being part of such a remarkable event that not only brings joy through music but also contributes to the well-being of over 1 000 vulnerable children is heartwarming," says D'Amico.

"SPAR is committed to supporting the communities we serve, and the record-breaking donations reflect the collective generosity of our community, both locally and internationally. We believe in making a positive impact, and this year's R500 000 raised is a testament to the power of unity and the spirit of giving during the festive season," adds D'Amico. 

"Last year, we raised a record-breaking R400 000 and united 60 000 carolers from around the world. This year, our generous listeners who keep showing up for others in our community in the most spectacular way broke those records again," concludes King.

For more information, visit www.jacarandafm.com and www.spar.co.za.