Cape Town - All hands were on deck as around 80 children were treated to a special Christmas party at the Seawinds Community Centre, on Sunday.

The children, with eager anticipation, waited outside as the organisers readied the venue, taking special care to drape the seats and tables, put out the Christmas gifts, and prepare the buffet-style three-course meal.

Some of the children were joined by their parents, and single parents and senior women, some of whom were widows, were in attendance.

For the past five years, the Michelle Davids Foundation has been organising Street Parties for the children of Military Heights, Hillview, Seawinds, and Lavender Hill.

This year, however, Davids opted to sway from usual and have the event indoors, largely due to safety concerns related to ongoing gun violence in the area.

Davids, from Lavender Hill, said for the festive season, she didn't want children to be standing in yet another queue for food, under the scorching heat and instead, be treated and served on the day, sharing a meal with their family and the rest of the community.

“I grew up in this community and I was fortunate enough to obviously finish school, get a good job of which I'm passionate about. And I think that there is also a way my passion for serving grew… We reach out to friends, family, my colleagues, businesses, and then whoever gives, we make use of what is given to us and this is the result. I wanted them to experience what it is to really have a full-course meal. For many others, it’s a norm; for them, it’s not,” Davids said.

Thanks to Michelle Davids and her foundation, 80 children from Lavender Hill in the area, had bright smiles when each of their names was called to collect a Christmas bag filled with gifts and a warm meal. The bags contained items ranging from stationery, toys, clothing, and toiletries. Presents were sponsored by friends, colleagues, and formal sponsors, including Santa Shoebox Project. Picture: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers

Every year since 2020, gifts are prepared for the children and this year was no different. The children struggled to carry both the plates of food and large gift bags as they left the premises for home.

“They are always queueing for food. There are two or three times a week where they have to go and queue for food. For some of them, it's an everyday thing. I just felt that for the festive season, they should not be even in a queue.”

Davids’ mother Patricia Mentoor cooks and distributes food for her community two to three times a week for the past four years.

Her drive to feed the community comes from the fact that she too used to queue for food as a child.

“I grew up in this area and I was like one of those kids that had to go stand in the queue. When she decided she wanted to open this organisation, I was behind her.”

One of the attendees from Military Heights, Chandre Kleinsmith said: “The experience for me is very overwhelming. It's something beautiful. As our community here, I grew up with Michelle. This is something very beautiful that she is doing for all of us here and especially for our kids. We really appreciate her for everything that she is doing for us. There are a few of us that lost loved ones this year due to sickness and gang violence. Most of us are unemployed, single mothers…”

To assist or donate, contact Davids on 081 779 1525.

Cape Argus