Parkview church brings hope to the homeless
Volunteers at St Columba’s Presbyterian Church handed out handmade scarves, beanies, and hot soup to bring warmth and dignity to Parkview’s displaced community.
Despite the icy wind that swept through Parkview on May 21, the steps of St Columba’s Presbyterian Church were alive with warmth and care. As part of its winter warmers project, the church handed out handmade polar fleece scarves, beanies, and steaming cups of soup to nearly 100 displaced individuals gathered outside.
Read more: Rosebank Homeless Association calls for community support as winter approaches
Now in its fifth-year, winter warmers is stitched together by volunteers who cut, sew, and deliver winter essentials to those in need. Most of the recipients are regulars at the church’s kindness kitchen, which has been serving breakfast daily for over two decades. The numbers have grown dramatically, from around 35 people daily, to an average of 65, with some mornings seeing up to 95.
Sue Taylor, who helps lead the initiative, said the project grew from a simple idea: To combine her love for crafting with a desire to care for the church’s soup kitchen clients. “It seemed natural to provide beanies and scarves, sewn by myself and a team of volunteers.”
The fabrics are chosen thoughtfully. Tartans and camouflage prints are favourites, allowing recipients to choose items they like, a small but meaningful gesture that restores dignity. “There’s always a buzz when the men see the scarves and beanies hung up,” Taylor added.
The initiative forms part of a broader winter effort, which includes a blanket drive funded by the congregation, businesses, and the Rotary Club. Around 400 blankets are purchased annually from a local factory and distributed to those in the soup queue, women and children’s shelters, and elderly residents in Vrededorp.
Taylor believes the project brings purpose, not only to the recipients, but also to the volunteers. “Some people love sewing, but don’t know what to do with the items they make. This gives them purpose.”
As the morning closed, the crowd dispersed, a little warmer and a little brighter, wrapped in fleece and carried by compassion.
To contribute or volunteer, contact St Columba’s Church office at 011 646 5420.
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