Local angel extends her hand on Christmas Day
Tracey Burnett donates Christmas presents to over 150 children.
Out of the goodness of her heart, Tracey Burnett has been donating Christmas presents to underprivileged children since 2005.
The 50-year-old took the decision to start helping other people when her son, Keanan and her nieces got what she would describe as a horrifying number of presents. “I was embarrassed and decided then and there that they would get less, and I would help less fortunate children,” said Burnett.
The Burnett family donates money every year to ensure that they make another child’s Christmas day very special. “My family donates the money every year and I go buy the toys. Over the years people have helped me make this gesture special for more children,” she said. They are pleading with their community to help children in need. “We are donating the presents to an orphanage (Fountain of Love) in Katlehong and a creche (Elizabeth’s Nest) in Rabie Ridge. Burnett considers herself a secret santa. “I love knowing that the little children will wake up with smiles and the joy of having presents,” she added.
Fountain of Love has 79 children between the ages of one and 21. “Every year they send me their Christmas wish list and I do my best to get them what they need,” said Burnett. Elizabeth’s Nest has 89 children who do the same. According to Elizabeth Mthimunye from Elizabeth’s Nest, Burnett is a blessing. “She does not just do the Christmas campaign and forgets us. She shows up even during the year to help us however she can.” She further elaborated on how this gesture is a blessing to them.
“Most of the children in our organisation either have single parents or unemployed parents. This gesture not only helps us make their day better but also warms the hearts of the parents that could not afford to get them presents on a special day.” Mthimunye has an aftercare centre that helps feed children and take them off the street. This gives Burnett more motivation because she is donating toys to an organisation that cares about children all year.
According to Roseline Mthembu from Fountain of Love, Burnett is a blessing to her orphanage. “She could choose to be with her own family and buy herself expensive things but instead she chooses us and helps other people. She is honestly an amazing person and we are witnesses to her beautiful persona.” Meanwhile, she explained how the gifts always come wrapped and they are always new. “She bought us a printing machine and this helps our children academically. She always brings groceries in December. There are honestly no words that can describe the goodness of her heart. We appreciate her and we love her.”
Burnett is stressed by the increasing number of children every year. “I will continue doing my best, but I need help. I hope everyone can open their hearts and just see the joy and happiness on these children’s faces when they open the presents. May more people donate and open their hearts to making Christmas a better day for other people.”
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