Blankets to warm body and soul
JOBURG – As the chilling weather hit almost all the parts of the country, there will be a gift of joy for the homeless people in Johannesburg and surroundings as Good Samaritans from Waverley will be distributing about 400 blankets for them.
The non-profit organisation, The Gift of Joy, is an organisation that aims to bring joy to others. The organisation’s co-founder and director, Lois Webber, said the programme collects and distributes anything from blankets, jerseys, shoes, scarfs and hats to the homeless so they can keep warm.
The first distribution will be on 13 June from 7pm starting in Grant Avenue, Norwood, and will proceed to the Joburg CBD.
Webber, who founded the organisation with Nicky Coleman in November last year said said the blankets were donated to them by the Naik family who will be part of the distribution process.
“We want our sponsors to be part of bringing joy to others. We are a big family, instead of receiving sponsorship, we rather walk the journey with our sponsors.”
She also revealed that Coleman wanted to write a book about the life of the homeless. She said in the process, Coleman would gather information as to what leads to homelessness and in a bid to find ways to change the core issue.
“We want to reach out to these people – and it’s not only about keeping them warm – we want them to feel loved and cared for and for their voices to be heard,” Webber said.
She added that most people disregard homeless people. Webber said the organisation was also involved in other upliftment programmes such as employment. She said they were currently assisting Emmanuel Pulane to start up a business in Alexandra.
Webber said they were working with other organisations such as Light House to the Nations Church in Norwood and a Diepsloot-based pastor Paul Phetlhe and his wife Cicilia who were uplifting the community of Diepsloot. “They would rather not eat and give food to other people,” she said of them.
Webber added that there is always a need for donations and volunteers. The organisation is also planning to open a free education centre in Diepsloot. “We need people to donate their hearts and time,” she said.
Details: Lois Webber 076 434 0985; lois@prestigebaby.co.za or Nicky Coleman 073 750 7992.
