Giving from the heart: Pensioner Lesaya George hosts dozens of children at her home, ensuring vulnerable youngsters still experience the joy of Christmas.
PHOTO CRED: Lesaya George
Duduza- 80-year-old pensioner Lesaya George brought smiles and festive cheer to children as she invited them to celebrate at her home.“I have always had a great love for little children.“I just enjoy seeing them happy,” she said.Since 2011, George has been distributing Christmas party packs to children aged 2 to 14, using her limited resources.She saves R50 each month, ensuring that needy children can still enjoy Christmas.“I know that some of their parents have it hard in this economy, and I am glad that I can help.“And the children are a great help to my husband and me.“We send them to the shops.“They bring laughter and warmth to our home,” she added.
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Last Christmas, Gogo had 52 children in her home.George said her long-term goal is to support at 100 needy children with food, shelter, and school uniforms to boost self-esteem and promote quality education – opportunities she herself did not have growing up.“Some of them come to have fun with their friends.“But others come because they are desperate,” she said.George also hopes to have clothes for those who need them.The project was strengthened through the Asset–Based Community–Driven Development (ABCD) approach, coordinated by Clement Khumalo, with support from stakeholders including SAPS, the Department of Health, Environment and Social Development, local pastors, parents, and community members.“There are rules to be followed, even when members of the community are doing charitable work.“Gogo had to notify the police that she would have this number of children in her home.“We do this in case something happens to any of the children while they are at her home.“We also help to ensure that the environment in which he prepares the food meets the standards set by the Department of Health,” explained Khumalo, of the Ward 86 health and social development desk.
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