Manenberg mothers to host early Christmas lunch for 300 children

A local initiative led by Manenberg mothers Valerie Oliphant and Najoemah Felix will host an early Christmas lunch for 300 children in their community, to bring joy and festive cheer to the lives of those who often see little of it. 

Now in its seventh year, the lunch on December 16 is part of a broader commitment to uplift and support the youth in the community. 

“Our main aim is to give these kids a sense of love and belonging during the festive season. A change from the constant sadness of the killing and violence,” Oliphant explained.

The event will showcase a wonderfully prepared feast featuring sausage, chicken, three types of salads, savoury snacks, cool drinks, and an ice cream for dessert. The children will also receive a generously packed party packet to take home. Music will fill the air, with a DJ on hand to ensure a lively atmosphere.

“We want to make it a special day for them,” added Felix, reflecting on the joy and excitement that the event sparks in the children.

This year’s early Christmas lunch builds on a foundation of successful community events. Earlier in the year, they hosted a fun-filled hair pamper party on Youth Day for 100 children, where volunteers offered complimentary services for the day. On Women’s Day, they also extended their outreach work to 150 elderly mothers in the community, providing them with a three-course meal and reminding them that they are cherished. 

Oliphant, who knows first-hand the struggles of growing up without the luxuries many take for granted, is motivated by her own experiences.

“I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon,” she reflected. “I know what it’s like not to have, to eat whatever is available or sometimes go without. I see it every day in my community, the high levels of poverty that mean children often don’t know what a decent meal is. Christmas should be special for them.”

Felix added: “We run a soup kitchen for a few years now and we just love what we do. We know there are children that don’t get a meal or a gift on Christmas.  So I know what we do makes a difference. My heart is happy just to see the smile on the children's faces.

“Even if they don’t have family to care for them, we want these children to feel loved and supported. We often see sad stories about our community and we want to change that narrative.”

As plans unfold for this year’s event, the pair are reaching out to good Samaritans to seek donations to help make the lunch party a success. “Every little bit helps, especially when we are catering for 300 children,” Oliphant said.

Anyone interested in contributing to this initiative can contact Oliphant directly on 062 630 1825. 

Cape Times