EMIHLE MBANGATHA
Pink Fairy organisation founder Mike Webb is on a mission to bring joy to the elderly this festive season.
On December 11, Webb will deliver 60 care parcels to the residents of the Emthonjeni Wokuphila Centre in Maxhanga Village, near Qonce.
This Christmas drive is a labour of love, inspired by Webb’s deep connection to the area where he grew up.
“The area is close to my heart,” Webb said. “I met the facilitator of the centre and knew I had to help. The government isn’t doing enough for our elderly, and Christmas can be especially tough for those who no longer have loved ones. As the Pink Fairy, our motto is simple: helping where we can, when we can.”
Each care parcel will include essential items such as toothpaste, facecloths, lotion, fruit, maize meal, vegetables, samp, sunflower oil, sweets, and chocolates. Should there be any surplus parcels, Webb plans to extend the generosity to Acorn Valley township in Breidbach.
Donations have already started pouring in, with local businesses and individuals stepping up to help. “I’ve received R1,300 so far and some Spar vouchers, along with toiletries.
“King Market has offered to provide fresh vegetables, which I’ll collect on December 10 to ensure they’re fresh.
“My wife and I will pack the parcels together and deliver them to the centre on the 11th,” Webb said.
Donation drop-off points include Buffalo Toyota in Qonce or East London and Container World in Berea. Monetary contributions are also welcome and are helping to make this effort possible.
Emthonjeni Wokuphila director Ntombozuko Ndamase, expressed heartfelt gratitude for Webb’s initiative.
“We are so excited and looking forward to the day when Webb comes to the centre. It’s wonderful to see someone interested in helping the elderly and supporting our organisation.”
Ndamase said the centre faced significant challenges, including a pressing need for surveillance cameras and a caretaker’s residence due to frequent burglaries. “We’ve opened cases with the police, but this remains a major difficulty for us,” she said.
Webb’s Christmas drive is not just about parcels; it’s about showing the elderly that they are valued and loved.
For Webb, it’s about community and compassion: “We may not be able to solve every problem, but we can make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.”
If you’d like to contribute to this initiative, donations can be made at the listed drop-off points. Together, let’s help spread the true spirit of Christmas.
