When the Tower of Life prepared themselves for hardship, donations from friends carried them through. After a long year, they wish to end it on a positive note.

Janet Davidson, Project Manager at the Tower of Life said they faced lockdown knowing that the men could not go out to find work or generate an income.

Instead of a bleak time we were met with Tower friends who helped carry our burdens with donations that were much needed,” she said.

Since things have been returning to normal, they can now look forward to a Christmas like no other. “We have the chance to meet up and celebrate life with our families and friends, which will be a precious gift after hard lockdown.”

She added that they want to bring a festive atmosphere to the Tower of Life’s Men’s shelter but they will need the community’s help.

“During this time we find that the men remember Christmases past and for some these are bitter-sweet memories. They miss their families and miss their ‘normal’ lives.”

For this reason they want to make Christmas special by giving each of the men a meal and a gift.

“The majority of our men do not have family or friends to go to, and will be staying at the shelter during Christmas.”

They will be hosting a Christmas dinner for 130 beneficiaries on Friday, 25 December. This year they plan on having a braai and pudding.

You can help by donating meat such as chicken, chops or wors, potatoes, mayonnaise, maize meal, tomato and onion mix, braai spice, charcoal, firelighters, ‘braai broodjies’ (sliced bread, cheese, onions and tomatoes), margarine, cold drinks, ice cream, jelly and custard.

What would Christmas be without a gift? We would love to spoil our beneficiaries with something gift-wrapped on the day. If you would like to be a ‘Santa’s helper’ please consider something small,” explained Janet.

Some ideas for gifts could be a voucher book of R175, which sponsors a bed in the shelter for seven days, a voucher for a local laundromat as most of the residents wash their clothes by hand, body cream, a pair of socks, deodorant, cookies, coffee, powdered milk, sugar, sweets, a face cloth, or a strong carry bag for their belongings.

Voucher or cash donations are also welcome. Visit their Facebook page at Tower of Life Men’s Shelter, Krugersdorp for more information and banking details.

If you would like to volunteer on the day or want more information, please contact Janet on 079 264 4262.