Street people near the Town Centre in Eastridge had a lekker Christmas lunch prepared by their “guardian angel” ouma on Monday.
The meal was served by the 84-year-old Hilda Classen, with the help of her family and neighbours, who decorated a parking lot, set up a Christmas tree and handed caps to all present.
This is Ouma Hilda’s annual event - she has been feeding the homeless people in her community for the past two decades, using her pension money.
Although she admits she’s now tired and needs more hands to prepare the meals, she says: “It makes me so happy, it gives that fulfilment knowing you’re making a difference in others’ lives.
“I do this every year but it is always different people and something exciting for them. Their smile makes me proud, when I see it, I know my effort is appreciated.
“Today I baked, made salads and bought four beef tongues that I prepared last night and have some party packs for them.
“I want them to not feel destitute or lonely over the holidays. I wish them the best and hoping that at least some are working on turning their lives around.”
She says this is her last event for the year as she will be taking a break until February.
Denzel Abrahams, 28, has been on the streets for 14 years and always looks forward to this day.
“Today is lekker, man, there’s so baie nice food and small gifts for us. Only Ouma does this for us and we appreciate it so much. She’s always taking care of us and will be blessed for doing this.”
Nicolene Peters, 41, says: “This is my first Christmas away from my family and it’s not going to be the same, but I didn’t know that we, too, can have a nice home-cooked meal to enjoy together.
“I am grateful to aunty Hilda for thinking of us at her age.”