Team up for a homeless experience at Ithemba

GEORGE NEWS - Have you ever wondered what it feels like to sleep like a homeless person? Then you should "book-a-bed" at the Ithemba Centre ("Place of Hope"), a brand-new shelter for the homeless in George.

The funds generated will be used to finish the courtyard's roof, which will enable Cremhog (Christian Rehabilitation Ministries to the Homeless of George) to accommodate the first 12 homeless people at the premises at the bottom of Market Street.

A total of 26 beds is still available for the sleepover at the Ithemba Centre, for one night only, on 28 and 29 July.

"We would very much like to invite pastors and businessmen to make use of this opportunity," said André Olivier, manager of Cremhog, who runs a daily feeding programme for the homeless.

Guests will be treated to a typical street life dinner, a campfire and a walk through town to view the conditions in which the homeless sleep at night.

The sleepover at Ithemba will mimic these conditions, but guests can rest assured that they will end up on a mattress on a bed, in one of the sleeping quarters.

Costs are R3 000 per bed, or R12 000 for a house with four beds (ideal for a team building event). For tickets, contact André Olivier on 082 551 8900 or Surika Louw on 083 461 9755.

Dripping wet clothes and blankets takes days to dry after a downpour.

Urgent needs

In addition, Cremhog is in desperate need of blankets, shoes and warm jackets to hand out to the homeless.

"Their only clothes and bedding are wet and remain damp for days," said Olivier. "In this cold, Cremhog provides one daily meal to over 60 persons per day. We provide blankets and warm jackets as available, to help resist the cold. On some cold, rainy and windy evenings, we also hand out hot coffee and sandwiches."

Any donations - food or clothing and shoes - can be dropped off at the Dutch reformed Bergsig Church office (044 871 1338), corner of Fourth and Meyer streets.

At the kiosk behind Holy Cross Primary, where Cremhog provides daily meals: Brandon Paulse, Nicolette Augustus, "Pa Jess" Harker, Louise Ruiters and Marshall van Tonder. Photos: Michelle Pienaar