This young man has been hailed a hero by his Delft community, who say many people would go hungry if not for him.
Ashley Petersen makes extra cash with a small business venture selling silver jewellery and uses the proceeds to give back to his community in the form of a feeding scheme.
Ashley, 32, who grew up in Belhar, has been living in Leiden for the past five years and owns M&R Jewellers.
Over weekends, he runs his stall at the Muizenberg Flea Market where he sells his jewellery.
He also takes orders for custom-made jewellery.
Ashley is employed at Cape Mental Health as a facilitator and says seeing how people suffer weighs heavily on him, and he’s just trying to make a difference, no matter how small.
“Growing up poor was not easy and working in all these different communities, we see how people struggle. So this is just small stuff I do to bring joy,” he says.
SKEP OP: One of Ashley's many helpers Shiehaam
“A meal goes a long way in our community. To see the joy on the faces of the kids and the elderly is all the reward I need.
“God blessed me with prosperity. I am able to work and support myself and my family.
“Sharing with those less fortunate is just another way of giving back. We are fortunate when we are able to give to others,” Ashley says humbly.
He gives bakkies soup and food to the poor and hungry, for many the only meal they will eat that day.
He recently provided the snack packs for a play day for kids held by the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit, held in Salberau Estate, at the home of murdered three-year-old, Courtney Pieters.
GRATEFUL: Young men of Delft South got to eat for free thanks to Cape Mental Health facilitator
Ashley also extends his charity online, where he does give-aways on his Facebook-page.
“The next competition will be for Father’s Day. I am still deciding what the prize will be,” he says.
Zubeida Williams, an unemployed mother of two, says Ashley’s generosity has helped her family survive.
“We saw him setting up a table and my kids were so hungry. I lost my job recently and did not know what to do. He gave us food and also assured us it was halaal. The three bakkies lasted for two days,” she says thankfully.
Dylan Damonse, 19, lives on the streets in Delft South and says: “I must skarrel and I am grateful that I can get a little food without being judged for my appearance. I won’t forget his kindness.”