Bikers extend Christmas generosity to informal shelter

The summer air was filled with Christmas cheer on Sunday as bikers from The Crew East Rand M.C. provided aid to the residents of an informal shelter in Bredell.

The shelter is currently home to about 60 families.

The event’s organisers Luiz D’Araujo (62) and Faan van den Berg (47) said their aim was to collect baby care necessities, dried/canned foods, children’s toys, toiletries and clothing.

“We heard about this shelter from members in our club. Our contribution was well received,” said D’Araujo.

This project is a collaborative effort thanks to bikers clubs such as Sons of Jo’burg that sponsored the meat, Blood In Blood Out donated lunch, and Code of Honour sponsored entertainment and a jumping castle.

“We’d also like to thank all The Crew members who assisted in this day becoming a reality, and for spending time with the settlement residents for the festive season,” he added.

D’Araujo highlighted that the settlement houses a lot of children who also need aid for their schooling. “We collected school clothes, stationary and a couple of kick-scooters for them to have a little better transport to school.”

He thanked his wife Sylvia and sister Teresa D’Araujo who assisted with all the sorting and packing. “They worked non-stop, even during load shedding late at night to sort according to each family’s specific needs, the ages of the kids and boys’ versus girls’ items.

“Not only did the children receive toys sponsored by the community, but we also included new Legos and puzzles to have fun with this holiday.”

The morning’s proceedings included a sermon by Chaplain Bürd Cordier as he delivered a message of his own testimony of God’s grace and mercy in his life.

“My message focused on the challenges we should face up to. I talked about not blaming one’s past or others for where you are now.”

Cordier said what made their outreach different was that they did not merely drop off the goods and left. They wanted to stay and spend the day with those from the shelter and to touch their hearts.

The owner of the informal settlement, Lulu de Beer, said: “We wish to thank them form the bottom of our hearts.”