Early Christmas for Bethany Home

Bethany home for destitute women and children celebrated Christmas on 26 November at Thunder Gun Steakhouse in Blackheath, courtesy of the organisation of Abused and Abandoned Kids Educational Excursions (Aaakee).

Aaakee representative Wayne Schoeman said they enjoy seeing the smiles on the faces of those they help.

“When Aaakee was started it was only to help the less privileged. Statistics show that more and more children are abandoned and abused. So we just want to do our bit to help women and children,” he said.

A total of 14 children and nine mothers were showered with meals and drinks of their choice from the restaurant menu. They all received gifts and got a chance to play with Santa who was organised especially for them.

This Christmas celebration was made possible with the help of donors.

Dorian Toussaint was one of the sponsors.

“I like supporting Aaakee as an organisation because they look after multiple homes. Depending on what the needs are for the home at the time I am happy to help with those needs.

“I also like that this is not just about supporting essentials but other needs such as going with the kids to the parks for example,” he said.

Toussaint is in the transport services industry and always provides the homes with transport to venues they need to go to.

Paul McNab owner of Thunder Gun Steakhouse donated the lunch.

“We have been doing this for years. We sponsor most of their golf days, put prizes into competitions and this is just a nice thing to do for the kids at the end of the year.”

According to McNab, Thunder Gun Steakhouse regulars also donated money.

“Our clients raised R8 000 and we used the money to buy presents for the kids.”

Blackheath’s Cheveux hair salon also contributed vouchers for the teenage girls to have their hair done.

The destitute and abused women were very happy to have this Christmas celebration.

“This is great. I am a having a wonderful time. I was staying with my aunt and her kids and she told me she could not afford me anymore. She asked me to move out in April but I could not do that because I am unemployed,” said Nolo Ndondo who stays at the shelter with her 13 year old daughter.

She moved into the shelter in October.

“I feel very special, it is a wonderful initiative that makes us feel someone loves us and cares for us and our kids,” she added.

Aaakee manages six homes around Gauteng and they believe in making a difference through education.

“We need assistance of any kind to make sure that the children can all go to school, have uniforms, food and everything they need to have a normal childhood,” said Schoeman.

Details: Wayne Schoeman – wayne@aaa­-kee.co.za or 011 614 1247 and 072 107 2810.