Cape Town - Determined to add a little magic to the lives of those in need, a single mother from Manenberg who runs a weekly soup kitchen, is asking for help to make her dream of hosting an early Christmas lunch for an Elim Night Shelter a reality.
Helping others comes naturally to Valerie Olifant, who was inspired by the golden, generous heart of her late grandmother.
“I came from a poor family, raised by my grandmother and I saw how she struggled to raise us.
My grandmother died 6 months ago and she inspired me, even if its the last piece of bread she'll say give it to that person knocking at the door because someone won't ask if they don’t need it,” she said.
Olifant runs a soup kitchen every Thursday, where she feeds around 200 people, including children, from a 100 litre pot of soup.
For the last three years she has also hosted an early Christmas party for children in her community. This year she plans to take the party to Elim Night Shelter, a Christian based centre for the homeless and destitute.
“I chose Elim Night Shelter because people in shelters may feel others are not there for them. I want to show them that there are still people who think about them, pray for them and want to do something good for them.
My vision for the lunch is a celebratory feast with all their favourite foods. Imagine Christmas with the family, fried chicken, pickled tongue, roast beef, a variety of salads, dessert etc.”
Olifant provides food because it is a basic human need that many go without, she said.
“I run a weekly soup kitchen every Thursday. You will be surprised how many people go without food without you knowing, it may be people you see everyday young and old from all walks of life.
When I dish, I would hear things like ‘thank you, this is my first meal in two days’, ‘thank you now my kids can eat’. It breaks my heart but I feel good when I can help even if it is only in a small way.”
Olifant registered her non-profit called, Valerie’s Feeding Scheme in July this year.
She is calling for any donations, whether monetary or ingredients, to help make the Christmas party magical.
To help, contact Olifant on 062 630 1825.
Cape Times