- Valerie Oliphant and Najoemah Felix are hosting their seventh annual lunch to give children a break from violence.
- The pair needs donations to provide a meal, ice cream and party packets for the young guests.
Two mothers from Manenberg are turning grief into joy this festive season by hosting a massive lunch for 300 children.
Valerie Oliphant and Najoemah Felix want to give the youth in their community a reason to smile.
On 16 December, they will host their seventh annual Christmas lunch. The goal is simple: to make children feel loved and safe.
“Our main aim is to give these kids a sense of love and belonging. A change from the constant sadness of the killing and violence,” Oliphant said, IOL reported.
The children will be treated to a feast. The menu includes chicken, sausage, salads, savoury snacks and cold drinks. For dessert, there will be ice cream.
Every child will also leave with a party packet to take home. A DJ will play music to keep the mood happy and light.
Oliphant says she knows how it feels to grow up with nothing.
“I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. I know what it’s like not to have, to eat whatever is available or sometimes go without,” she said.
Felix and Oliphant have been running a soup kitchen for years. They also hosted special events for Youth Day and Women’s Day earlier this year.
They are asking the public for donations to help make the day a success.
“Every little bit helps, especially when we are catering for 300 children,” Oliphant said.
Anyone who wants to help can contact Valerie Oliphant on 062 630 1825.
Pictured above: Manenberg.
Image source: SAVenues
