A popular clergyman from Athlone is spreading some Christmas cheer by taking gifts to underprivileged children as far as Bloemfontein.
Father Mike Williams, a Canon for the Anglican Catholic Church and an advisor to the Bishop, has been serving the community for more than 20 years and has been gathering donations from various sponsors to make party packets for needy kids.
He has been handing out the goodies to children in townships and went as far as a town outside Bloemfontein to spread the love.
Father Mike says he has been everywhere but has never seen a place as impoverished as Botshabelo, a small town about 45 kilometres outside of Bloemfontein.
MISSION: Father Mike Williams from Athlone. Picture: Jack Lestrade
“I went as part of an event in the area and I have never seen people struggling so much,” he says.
“Most households are being kept afloat on the grants of pensioners and people have to travel to Bloemfontein for work. There is so much talent there.
“It may be a small town but the people are extremely loving and friendly and when I was there on 1 December, we handed over 25 party packets and toy shoeboxes, but we had underestimated our amount when 100 children pitched.”
He is now collecting more items and plans to go back to Botshabelo as it was tragic seeing the disappointment on the faces of the children who did not receive a gift box.
“For Christmas, I would like to collect not only for children but also for the elderly. I want to make more party packets and shoeboxes with toys and toiletries for the children, while I am busy collecting essential toiletries like soap, toothpaste, face cloths and shampoo for the elderly,” Father Mike says.
If you would like to donate, contact Father Mike on 084 639 3371
.