Ammish lends a helping hand to needy children and Gogos

Nie Cele

A compassionate Non Profit Organization, Ammish, in partnership with the City’s Public Safety department and China South Africa Healthcare Foundation recently brought smiles to dozens of Soweto’s first citizens and needy children just before Christmas by pampering them with food parcels, blankets, goodie bags with clothing, shoes toys and books.

The event took place at a packed Bapedi Hall in Meadowlands and the recipients came in droves from Braamfischer, White City and greater Meadowlands.

The multitudes of kids were further spoilt with the jumping castles which they enjoyed and overlooked the unrelenting scotching heat that blazed the day.

Member of the Mayoral Committee, Michael Sun told the  packed hall that December was a special month to reflect and recognize juniors and  senior citizens.

“There is a big need to look after our young ones and our elders. It is time for the City to give back. This is our way of saying thank you and to show some festive happiness. We will never forget about you.”

On the sidelines, Li Potgieter, Chairman of South Africa Healthcare Foundation, told this publication that his organization prides itself by helping the needy people.

“We care about education and building schools in the country. We believe that education is a number one priority in every community and location.”

Alice Hoskins, a Ward Committee member in the area told this reporter that they were very excited with the donations.

“This is the time where most young people and elders don’t have someone to look after them. So these donations came in handy.

Masishaba Mlotshwa, Organizer and Project Director for Ammish, told this publication that most communities have poverty stricken kids who have never owned toys, toiletry and other basic commodities.

“The situation is so dire in such away that most of  them rely on government grant. It is against this background that we want them to be in the spirit of happiness especially this time of the year.”

Mlotshwa also pointed out that his organization was doing this in the confines of Ubuntu, adding that Children and elders are victims of abuse.

“We are who we are because of these elders,” She argued.

DID YOU KNOW?

AMMISH provides meals for learners at local schools and also assist them with homeworks.