GEORGE - Originally from sunny South Africa, JJ Kruger now lives in the UK with his television presenter wife Dawn Bibby. When this British couple flew across the ocean recently to spend time with family in the Garden Route, they decided to do something generous for some very special people in the George community...

During their visit, the couple hopped on a taxi and spent a day visiting various day care centres, soup kitchens and crèches in the Thembalethu community where they handed out much-needed food items and groceries.
Remona Tom, a formidable Thembalethu resident who heads up a soup kitchen and after school care centre agreed to be the couple’s guide for the day.

Kholeis’ Soup Kitchen
At their first stop - Kholeis’ Soup Kitchen in Zone 9 - Remona, Dawn and JJ were greeted by Kholeka David, a soft-spoken, kind-hearted woman who makes soup for approximately 70 children every Wednesday and Thursday. Kholeka does this with only one small pot and a two-plate stove.
"I feel so blessed," she said with tears streaming down her face when she laid eyes on all the groceries. "Thanks to you I can feed my children. I cannot believe this!"

Ayethu
At their next stop, Ayethu Crèche in Zone 6, there were shouts of glee and joy when JJ and Dawn unloaded the goodies.
"Photo, photo!" shouted the little ones while grabbing hold of JJ. "Please take a photo with us!"
While JJ and Dawn posed with the children, Remona told the George Herald that the dedicated women at this crèche care for about 100 children every week - from Monday right through to Friday.

Word spreads
By the time the taxi arrived at Sithumelele Play Group and Baby Care, word of the kind-hearted foreigners had spread like wildfire. While JJ and Dawn were inside, getting to know the children and dropping off their groceries, curious children from across the neighbourhood came to investigate - peering through the fence to see what was going on.
Inside, the four caregivers could not believe what these kind strangers were doing:
"This is amazing!" they exclaimed in unison. "Thank you for doing this wonderful thing for us!"

Final stop
Back in the taxi and off to their final stop - Masithathisane Soup Kitchen and after School Care Centre - Remona’s passion and life’s work. Although a recent fire destroyed half of her home, Remona has not lost her drive and passion to care for her ‘children’. She runs a soup kitchen every Tuesday and Thursday and a crèche for babies and toddlers every day of the week.
"I love my children, but it is hard caring for them with so little," she said softly.
"Thank you for coming to visit me and for all the things you have given to us," she added, giving Dawn and JJ a big hug. "May God bless you."

On the way back to George, it is quiet in the taxi. "We will definitely be back," says Dawn. "It took so little to do something for these people - we will always remember this wonderful day. This experience will stay with us forever."

*A big thank you to DF Scott for their generous discount with the purchase of the groceries.

*Anyone wishing to make donations towards any of these causes, may contact Angelique Potgieter on 044 874 2424, or e-mail angel@groupeditors.co.za.


Excited children at Ayethu Creche.


Kholeka, JJ and Dawn with some of the children at Kholeis' Soup Kitchen.