The spirit of giving: How local heroes celebrate Christmas
The magic of Christmas isn’t just found under twinkling lights or in the shimmer of tinsel—it’s in the warmth of giving, the cheers and laughter and the sharing of that joy between people.
This festive season, remarkable individuals and organizations stepped up to make sure that no one feels forgotten, spreading love and cheer to those who need it most.
Mogamat Jappie, from the organization Wonders of the New Generation, has been organizing Christmas celebrations for six years.
Since 2018, their annual event has brought smiles to countless faces. This year, they provided a festive meal and gifts for 160 children, aged 1 to 14, and 180 adults.
The children were treated to a special Christmas meal of yellow savory rice, baked bean salad, potato mayo salad, and carrot salad.
Each child also received a party packet, fruit, toys, and clothing.
Adults enjoyed the same festive meal, but with larger portions, alongside cool drinks, cupcakes, and fruit. Clothing and shoes for men, women, babies, and children were distributed as well.
"We do this every year just before Christmas as we know the recipients of our feeding program are mostly unemployed," said Jappie.
"Most of them can't afford clothing or toys and depend on help from family, friends, and neighbours. Toys and clothes for Christmas are rare for them, and we ask around for help to give them the feeling of receiving something during this festive period."
Jappie and his team of volunteers found joy in witnessing the smiles and happiness of those they served.
"It gave us great pleasure to see their faces light up. We will keep doing this as long as there is a need because we love taking care of our people. Even though we do not receive much funding, we put our trust in Allah/God and are forever grateful for the support of donors, sponsors, family, friends, and neighbors."
Venetia Orgill, fondly known as the "Angel of the Gardens," has been feeding the homeless for nearly a decade.
This year, she made Christmas special for 350 street people, ranging in age from nine to 65. Each received a hot meal, a cake box filled with sweet treats, and juice.
"This is what God called me to do in life," said Orgill. "I'm not amazing; I am loved, and that makes my heart overflow with love for everyone."
On her birthday, which coincided with the event, the recipients sang "Happy Birthday" to her.
"That was the best birthday gift," she shared with a smile. "You could feel the appreciation and love in their voices."
For Orgill, the most fulfilling part of her mission is serving the vulnerable.
"There is nothing more satisfying than to serve those vulnerable souls on the streets. They are people who only have love to give, and that is why I will always be there for my children on the street."
One recipient reflected on the impact of the meal: "It was like a reminder of how things were for us as children—waiting for our food from our moms, eating together, and enjoying the laughs."
In Lavender Hill, the non-profit organization Philisa Abafazi Bethu (Heal Our Women), led by Executive Director Lucinda Evans, hosted a glamorous masquerade ball for 179 seniors.
The event, held at Harmony Primary School Hall, followed a children’s Christmas party organized by the group a week earlier.
Evans explained the motivation behind the event: "We decided to do this for those who carry the wisdom and offer the most support in our area."
The celebration featured entertainment and meaningful moments, including a space for gender-based violence (GBV) victims to seek support.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za