WATCH: Gardens residents celebrate new hope

Sporting wide-brimmed hats and their Sunday best, the Farrarmere Gardens residents celebrated the four-week Advent season with joy and renewed hope on December 7.

It has been nine months since Nelia du Plessis started doing outreach work in the area, which many residents referred to as the “forgotten suburb”.

Watching while children danced to Peter McKarthy from Airfield’s House of the Lord’s tunes, the blonde do-gooder’s eyes welled up with tears.

“Driving on Maalstroom Street on a blistering hot March morning, I stopped my car on the side of the road. I watched with awe and disbelief as a resident hastily crossed the road to share a loaf of bread with an elderly neighbour,” she said.

“I have lived in Northmead for several years, yet this was the first time I truly witnessed the plight of my close neighbours.

“I was instinctively moved into action. I took the time to better acquaint myself with the residents and was horrified to learn about the cycle of poverty that had gripped many living in this small suburb.”

Through the help of generous donors who trusted her vision, Du Plessis has since established a weekly soup kitchen, which also offers willing and able residents skills development and recruitment opportunities.

The latest development was establishing a shop where donated household goods, clothes, and toys sell for R1 per item.

“The funds raised through the sales go a long way in funding the weekly feeding scheme but have also contributed to restoring the residents’ dignity,” she said while passing children showered her with hugs.

“Instead of receiving hand-outs, residents can now choose what they want and pay for it, knowing that the monies will ensure a hearty meal later in the week.”

Growing business
Wearing a crisp button-up shirt, one of the Gardens’ latest success stories, JP Larsson, greets Du Plessis with a warm embrace.

“I successfully relaunched my gardening service business in September and now have eight customers on my books,” he said with a smile.

“I believe that once it starts raining, more people will use my services. God blessed us by sending Nelia our way. She has not only taken us all under her wing, but her gentle nature has given us new hope.”

Resting his arm around her shoulder, Larsson said the residents feel valued, which gave them newfound dignity.

As the smell of boerewors hitting the grill filled the air, volunteers of the House of the Lord entertained young and old.

With their bellies full, the residents received gifts and wishes for a prosperous New Year.

“So many organisations, businesses and individuals have contributed to the success of this day and the ongoing projects, all aimed at assisting and empowering our Gardens community. I appreciate everyone’s continued support. We are making a huge impact on a small community,” said Du Plessis.

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