An aunty of many talents, who has been feeding hungry tummies in Valhalla Park for years, is gearing up for Christmas to spread some festive cheer, but needs a little help.
Charlene Petersen, 55, a cancer survivor, is putting together Christmas boxes for the sick, frail and elderly, saying not everyone has a loving family to spend the day with.
Charlene and her group of helpers are making jewellery, Christmas cards and even Christmas trees to deliver to hospitals, frail care facilities and old age homes, but says they are running out of materials.
She works from home and is assisted by several women whom she has trained over the years.
The arts and crafts guru says: “I want to show those staying at hospitals and elderly homes that they’re loved and cared for.
“Not all of them are blessed with families that can spoil them, you’ll find that some never even received a gift in their lives, and just a little token of love will go a long way.”
Charlene says she needs materials like hodge pots, glue, glitter, beads, “and anything that would make a lovely gift”.
The cancer survivor has been doing voluntary work for the past 13 years, feeding her community, as a counsellor, and running women upliftment programmes at the now closed Geneva’s House in Eerste River, the Moira Henderson House in Woodstock, and Beaconvale Frail Care Centre.
She also runs the Valhalla Park Community Feeding Angels, where she serves meals twice a week.
Charlene says she only has one wish: “For Christmas, I would love to go on a shopping spree and have a good lunch with my kitchen ladies.”
To donate to Charlene’s initiatives, contact her at 072 544 2168.