The Word and Life Foundation held its annual street shower in the parking lot of the Brakpan EMPD offices on October 3, providing dignity and care to the most vulnerable members of the community.

The project entails providing unhoused and impoverished people with a fresh set of clothes, toiletries, a hot shower, a haircut and manicure, a free health screening, food, beverages and emotional support.

In cooperation with Worthy Ministries in Brakpan, a street ministry that services the underprivileged, and other sponsors including Engineering and Mining Africa Magazine, VEGA, Pick ‘n Pay and Abbeywear, the day is a large undertaking every year.

The organisers, Petrus, Koos and Zoey Gouws from Word and Life, supported by Loraine du Plessis from Worthy Ministries, say that the event is the biggest event of the year for the beneficiaries.

“They look forward to this event the most, and we hope to continue to be able to provide it to them for years to come,” said Koos Gouws.

“The What If project of the Word and Life Foundation provides people in need with practical support and personal care,” said Lelanie Pieterse, owner and editor of Engineering and Mining Africa Magazine.

“Every year we pick a project to support, and this year we picked the What If project from Word and Life because of how much they give back to the community,” she said.

Beyond the sponsors, small donations and provisions make the event a success as well, such as a generator, muffins, and pre-loved bibles for those who wish to take one with them. The atmosphere was positive, with beneficiaries greeting regular faces like old friends as they moved through stations.