As the winter cold begins to settle in, vulnerable residents gathered outside St Columba’s Presbyterian Church on May 20 for the church’s weekly soup kitchen and annual Winter Warmers Project.

From before 07:00, people queued outside the church for steaming cups of vegetable soup served with bread and fresh fruit.

As part of the second phase of the Winter Warmers Project, recipients also received handmade polar fleece beanies, scarves and neck warmers, offering an extra sense of warmth and comfort during the cold season.

Read more: 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day brings warmth ahead of winter

Led by Sue Taylor and the church’s crafts and care team, the project was inspired by seeing long queues of people waiting in the cold for soup and bread during winter mornings.

The beanies and scarves initiative has been running for four years.

Instead of knitting the items, Taylor researched how to make polar fleece beanies and developed a paper pattern that allows volunteers to sew them quickly and cost-effectively. Each beanie takes around seven minutes to make.

This year, six volunteers made 120 beanies, 90 scarves and neck warmers, and 71 winter sets, which were handed out on the day.

Recipients were invited to choose their own beanies and scarves from a display outside the church rather than simply being handed items.

Also read: Winter Warmers project brings comfort to Parkview

“We are so grateful to receive this ahead of winter,” said some of the recipients.

Taylor explained that the church has supported vulnerable people in the area for many years through outreach programmes, including meal initiatives and support for women’s and girls’ places of safety.

“For homeless or destitute persons in the greater Parkview area, winter is always a challenge,” she said.

Reverend Melanie Cook said the initiative carried a deeper meaning beyond physical warmth.

Also read: Locals are urged to answer the South African National Blood Service’s call to donate blood

“As the cold begins to settle in, these simple items become more than just clothing. They are a reminder that people are seen, valued and cared for,” she added.

The church has also raised enough funds to distribute 100 blankets and has additional funding available to purchase 200 more blankets for vulnerable residents and places of safety.

Community members can also donate care pack essentials such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels and deodorant for future outreach projects.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!