Cape Town - The Phumlani Village informal settlement buzzed with excitement on Tuesday as nearly 500 children gathered for the annual Christmas lunch.
The much-anticipated party is hosted by Lotus River mother, Beryl Williams, as part of her community outreach programmes, and was hosted for the 28th year in a row.
A popular Williams known as “Aunty Girly” cooks every week to supply hot meals to underprivileged children and the elderly in the informal settlement.
Inspired by the work of her mother, Catherine Arries, who also helped cook for those less fortunate, the annual party dates back to the 1990s.
Each year Williams along with patrollers from the Carolus Neighbourhood Watch and Grassy Park police cook up a storm.
“The food donations come mainly from Pick ’n Pay Constantia who always support the food drives. This year we catered for over 500 children and made-up 200 party packs.
“I had to cook two large pots of food and was getting nervous as some of my helpers weren’t available but then Gloria Robinson and her daughter Nicole Theunissen came all the way from Hout Bay to assist.
“Together we cooked a pot of vegetable stew and chicken curry for everyone to enjoy,” Williams said.
The large crowd gathered in Rietbok Avenue shortly after 2pm where youngsters enjoyed a warm meal and danced in the street.
Williams said Phumlani residents have been hard hit over the past year with various fires sweeping through the informal settlement.
“The problem with the fires is that kits aren't given anymore so financially the residents cannot even look forward to Christmas because they are continually rebuilding their homes which are lost in the fires.
“This places them under financial strain and unemployment in Phumlani is rife with most people living hand to mouth.
“We will continue our work and I am grateful to all the sponsors and individuals who come out each year and assist to bring a little Christmas cheer. I am glad that the parties are continuing to bring hope to the community of Phumlani.”