It was a day of fun, food and fast cars for the kids of St Francis children’s home for the abused, who were treated to a larney joyride around the city yesterday.
The group of 20 boys, aged three to 12, couldn’t believe their eyes as 10 supercars rolled up outside the home in Athlone yesterday morning.
The cars were a gift from Maserati Cape Town, who wanted to spoil the boys for the day.
There were squeals of delight as the drivers of the 10 GranTurismo S, Quattroporte, and GrandCabrio models, each worth R1.3 million, revved their engines and invited the boys to climb in.
Child care worker Melany Petersen says the 20 boys were at the home for the weekend because they did not have host families in the city.
“Not all the children live close by, some children stay as far as Darling. So going home every weekend is not an option,” she explains.
But yesterday was their lucky day as Maserati Cape Town stepped in to spoil them.
The boys were whisked around the city, stopping for ice-cream and lunch while enjoying the sights.
The youngsters chanted “Maserati Maserati”, as they arrived at the first of two pitstops.
PARTY: Kids treated to burger and chips meal at N1 City CREDIT: Bertram Malgas
The convoy stopped to have ice-cream cones in Blouberg before hitting the N7 to N1 City Mall, where they were treated to a meal of burgers and chips.
“ Yoh, that sounds lekker,” said one of the boys, as the cars roared down the N7 highway.
Ashton Ables, from the Bonteheuwel NGO Something Good Sundays, organised the outing.
Ables, who also owns a Maserati, says yesterday’s initiative was started three years ago to raise funds for children’s homes.
He said: “It’s a blessing to be able to make a difference in the lives of these children.”
Melany says the kids will remember the day for the rest of their lives.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity they were able to experience as they won’t normally be able to experience this,” she says.