Cape Town - Sometimes all it takes to spread Christmas cheer is an act of kindness, as ordinary people across the city have shown.
From lunches that saw various people chipping in to feed those in need, to gift, hamper and baby shoe distributions, these are some of the acts bringing the festive spirit to communities.
In Wellington, locals from all walks of life worked together to create a 10m tall, four-panelled, colourful hand-crocheted tree from 7000 blocks. In the spirit of the greater good, the tree is situated near a shelter and some homeless people have come to sleep under it, describing it as “their tree and a beacon of hope”.
Serial do-gooder Keith Blake, from Ottery, arranged for 500 families from Ottery Informal settlements, Parkwood, Hanover Park and Lotus River to each receive a bag of potatoes and a bag of groceries donated by Chinatown.
He said: “Mr Shuwing Liou, chief executive from Chinatown sponsored the event and has been doing it for a years. In the times of festive season there are people who cannot be festive due to financial strains and poverty and this gesture is a motivation to those who can to open their hearts and hands.”
In a convoy of motorbike clubs with bakkies filled with hundreds of toys, chips, sweets, children books, biscuits and clothing, his biker club, Ottery Boyz MCC, also held its 13th Christmas convoy.
“We left my home in Ottery with loud Christmas carols and donated to 1 500 children. One of the highlights was a church we visited in Ottery ... we gave their children their toys and chips,” Blake added.
The Alcardo Andrew Foundation headed by Avril Andrews also hosted special events for her Hanover Park community. A brunch for seniors was held and in attendance was Banyana Banyana Women’s Coach of the Year, Desiree Ellis.
In Heideveld, every year on December 16 Hope for the Future hosts its annual Christmas lunch with the aim of giving children who don’t have a good lunch. Hope is currently running its “Back to School – Adopt a child” to gift a kit with school clothes and stationary.
To donate, contact Nelson on 076 073 6777.
Cape Times