The St Clairs’ Ongoing Commitment to Children and Families in Orange Grove
For more than a decade, David St Clair and his wife Sharon St Rose-St Clair have been quietly using their home in Orange Grove as a space to encourage connection, generosity, and community spirit.
Their efforts are centred around a series of annual family-focused events, including Christmas celebrations for children, Easter activities, and a Mother’s Day gathering. Each initiative is designed not because the community is already closely connected, but because the St Clairs believe it is important to help rebuild and encourage that sense of togetherness.
How It Started
The journey began around 2014 with an Easter activity for children. By 2017, the St Clairs brought these events closer to home, hosting them at their residence and expanding their reach. That same year marked the start of their Christmas celebration for children, an event that has continued annually and is now in its eighth year.
Over time, the Christmas initiative evolved to include children from the surrounding neighbourhood, who are personally invited and welcomed to collect gifts. Friends of the family assist with sponsorship and support, making the event a shared effort rooted in goodwill.
Focus on Children and Families
In earlier years, the St Clairs also extended their giving to a Children’s Home, reinforcing their commitment to supporting vulnerable children beyond their immediate surroundings. Today, the focus remains on creating safe, joyful experiences that bring families together and remind people of the value of community.
In addition to Christmas and Easter activities, the couple hosts a Mother’s Day Tea Party, which began just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The gathering brings together mothers, sisters, and friends in an atmosphere of appreciation and shared experience.
“These are the main events we generally host,” David explained, each reflecting a different way of strengthening social bonds.
Leading by Example
Sharon St Rose-St Clair, who has lived in the community for over 21 years, sees these gatherings as an opportunity to encourage people to connect more intentionally, even in a time when many neighbourhoods feel distant or fragmented.
The St Clairs’ work is not driven by formal titles or organisations, but by consistency. Their story is a reminder that meaningful community building often starts at home, led by individuals willing to open their doors and bring people together.
