When the children of the 5th St Peter's Scouts in Bloemfontein were told they were getting brand-new instruments for their marching band, they didn't believe a word of it.
After all, it was Friday, 1 April 2016. April Fool's Day.
It was only when the drums were unpacked that the celebrations began. According to Group Scouter Diseko Lechoano, there was screaming, jumping, running around and even a few tears of joy.
Based at St Peter's Anglican Church in Rockland, the group brought together 44 boys and girls aged between five and sixteen. Under Diseko's dedicated leadership, the children participated in everything from camping and first aid to leadership training, community service and, of course, music.
But their marching band desperately needed new instruments, and funds were limited.
When the Scouts approached Proud Partners, we were delighted to contribute R10,000 towards purchasing a bass drum, three snare drums, marching cymbals and a marching mace.
The Scouts subsequently sent us a heartfelt letter of thanks, together with photographs of the delighted children and their new instruments.
It was a gift that brought music, excitement and a renewed sense of pride to a group of young people already doing wonderful things in their community.
And, as April Fool's surprises go, this one certainly struck the right note.