Burning to make a difference
While Burns Maclear climbs the highest peak in Southern Africa, he will dream of giving 20 000 people a present over the festive season.
You can ensure he realises his goal.
The Northmead resident, who is a member of the Northfield Methodist Church, will climb Thabana Ntlenyana in Lesotho, on November 7.
He will be accompanied by five other climbers, including Dave Inggs, who was one of the climbers who undertook the Nine Peaks for Northfield fund-raiser with Maclear earlier this year.
Maclear said his feet were itching to climb another mountain and he decided to, once again, dedicate his summit to a worthy cause.
“My aim is for 20 000 people to get something for Christmas, I do not care where they come from,” said the 68-year-old Maclear.
People are urged to donate non-perishable food and toys to make up the gift hampers.
Churches and organisations who would like to receive presents for their missions may make a request with the Northfield Methodist Church.
The donations will be handed out to several organisations across Ekurhuleni, including the Salvation Army and Project Feed the Children, in Benoni.
Fran Caldwell, a Northfield Methodist Church mission and outreach member, said the presents will be gratefully received.
“Christmas is the one time people want to know you care,” said Caldwell.
“When everyone else is getting one and you don’t, you feel like wailing and jumping off a bridge.”
People may drop off their gifts at the Benoni City Times office (Northmead Square) as well as at the Northfield Methodist Church.
Donations may be made until December 14.
For more information, contact Claire Moffat, Khaya Mnyanda or Caldwell on 010 140 0214.
