Bikers bring smiles to children's faces

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The smiling faces of children on Saturday 4 September at Themba 3, an educational centre in Thembalethu, testified to what can happen when community organisations stand together.

The children had just received food and toy motorcycles, the result of collaborative efforts by Life Community Services (LCS), Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA), Proudly Meerkat and Solidariteit Helpende Hand. Members of the biking community have been collecting much-needed items for the kitchens to feed thousands of children.

LCS's main aim is to help vulnerable and impoverished children. Due to Covid-19, many families lost their livelihoods and sadly, in a time when it was most needed, many of LCS's fundraising events could not be held.

About 60 bikers turned up at the event. Among the attendees was surfer Bianca Buitendag, silver medal winner at the recent Olympic Games in Japan. Buitendag got a ride with one of the bikers. Ntombizodwa Peterson, leader at Themba 3, told George Herald the help means a lot to the children.

"They are blessed. It is difficult times for the parents. We are thankful to God that we are so blessed. Without God you can't do anything."

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Maryna de Vries of LCS thanked the participants. She said every day, the organisation serves a 1 000 children with a meal, education, upliftment and care. For the children it is a lifeline. For many of them it is the only meal they receive on a day.

Maranda van Dam of Proudly Meerkat said they were blown away by the generosity of the different bike clubs.

"There is a lot of power in collaboration. Every single person can make a difference in this world."

David May of Life Community Services said there is great need in Thembalethu. Events like Saturday's mean the world to the people.

"We might not be able to reach everyone, but at least one or two could be helped. It is a starting point." He said he hopes that the children will also be inspired. While such events give back to the city, they are also a way of partnering with organisations such as Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA), Proudly Meerkat and Solidariteit Helpende Hand. Everyone has a part to play and can make a difference in the community.

Some of the children at Themba 3, an educational centre in Thembalethu, with their new toy motorcycles. Photos: Eugene Gunning