FAMILY DAY TREAT

Hundreds of laaities from the Phumlani Informal Settlement received an Easter surprise on Monday as community worker Beryl Williams hosted her annual egg hunt. 

The event which has been held for over 20 years sees hundreds of eager children and their parents line up to participate in the hunt to spread cheer among the underprivileged community. 

The popular vrou, known as ‘Aunty Girly’, spent the Easter weekend working alongside her niece, Justine Williams to prepare gift packs for both the children and their parents. 

Beryl says: "I started my community work with feeding the community of Phumlani more than 20 years ago. I was inspired by the work of my mother who believed in always lending a helping hand to those less fortunate.

"Every year I host a Christmas bash and Easter egg hunt and even celebrate my birthday with the children as an opportunity to reach out and have them enjoy just being children for the day." 

In previous years, the Easter weekend has seen Williams and her team booking up a storm and surprising with warm fish dishes as they observe the holy festival. 

She explains: "Normally we do pickled fish and other goodies on Good Friday but I also have church and other responsibilities so we decided instead to host it on Easter Monday.

"Most of the donations come from Pick n Pay Constantia who always come out and support these initiatives.

"Most people just see food but this is a way to spread hope because the way people sukkel just to get by is heartbreaking and I believe that the more we share the more blessed we will be if we live  by what Easter means." 

On Monday, the duo prepared over 130 packs for the laaities consisting of Easter eggs, donuts, juices and other goodies for on the hunt. 

Beryl says: "The children enjoyed themselves as they searched for the eggs hidden among the hokkies.

"The parents weren’t left out and we made them vegetable packs to help ease the burdens in the home.

"Easter is a special time and while many families across the Cape Flats look forward to pickled fish and chocolate eggs, there are so many people that can only dream of that.

"Many people in our informal settlements are struggling and the problem is wider that Phumlani Village."