GALLERY: Christmas comes twice a year

Gary Lucas started holding ‘Christmas in July’ parties about 10 years ago. “One year I told everyone to bring a R20 present that we would swop. The next morning there were presents all over the house and I thought it was a waste of money. So I decided to nominate an orphanage and each year people bring presents for the orphans. That was seven years ago.” For the last three years, the Jukskei Park resident has been supporting the Malaika Orphanage in Hillbrow.

Lucas said of the establishment, “It’s on the third floor of a derelict building in Kotze Street, run by an amazing man, Juma Sebichwu. He has about 90 orphans there and he also runs a crèche facility. The first time I went with friends and we fixed it up and painted it. This year, some friends have organised beds for the children.”

This year’s handover was significant. On 2 August they all came to the Central Lodge in Lonehill, where presents were handed out by Santa and lunch was supplied by Nando’s. Sponsors have started to get involved as well.

According to Lucas, last year RMB donated school shoes and blankets for the children while Spar Olivedale donated toiletries. This year, Spar Olivedale donated toiletries again as well as 100 loaves of bread. RMB donated blankets again and took a soup kitchen through to the children. Nando’s donated crockery and cutlery. Reliable Transport transported the children to and from the venue. Each year more people get involved. “Corobrik has said if I can find the land, they’ll build an orphanage for the children,” Lucas beamed.

Lucas has committed to the orphanage for the foreseeable future. “I like going there. When you walk in all the children are smiling, the older children look after the smaller ones. It’s a big family.”

Details: Gary Lucas 082 373 3616.