A street shower of blessings for the homeless

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GEORGE NEWS - With a vision to restore homeless people's dignity, a group of volunteers gathered for George's second Street Shower on Saturday 24 June. The opportunity was open to any volunteer to be part of this special event.

Last Thursday and Friday evenings, volunteers handed out invitations where people were sleeping on the street.

"We could see they were very excited," said one of the organisers, Ronel le Grange.

On Saturday morning about 100 volunteers gathered at the AGS Soteria church at 05:00 to prepare for the day of pampering.

The gates opened at 07:00 for the first guests to enter. They were welcomed in groups of five and received coffee and a hot pancake while they moved on through the different stations.

Haircuts were given and they were also gifted new clothes, shoes and socks. "The highlight for them was definitely the fact that they could each have a nice hot shower afterwards. After this their feet were washed," said Le Grange.

PHOTO GALLERY: Street Shower in George to bless the homeless

Yuri Ayliffe, originally from Japan, talking to one of the homeless while washing her feet. "One lady was smiling while she told me, 'All my life, I wanted a Chinese massage'," said Ayliffe. "We laughed and I gave her an extra massage. It was so special to interact with them. It was so so special. My friend asked me to volunteer and I went not knowing what to expect. And I got to do foot washing." Photo: Visionary Moments

Once everyone was tidied up, a photo was taken of each of them and a CV was drawn up and laminated so that they could apply for work.

All the visitors also had a chance for one-on-once counselling sessions and Bibles were distributed. At the end of the day they each received a hot plate of food at a beautifully set table.

"We were very privileged to be able to offer the event to 170 homeless people with all glory to our Heavenly Father," said Le Grange.

"We thank every volunteer and every person and business who opened their hearts with a contribution to make this special day possible. It was very special to see our guests walk in with drooping shoulders and without any self-confidence until they walk out again, proud and with a smile on their face."

Marilee and Anél le Grange ready to help with a smile. Photo: Belle Lumiere

To everyone's surprise, a group of those who were treated the previous day, arrived at the church again on Sunday to attend the worship service.

"They said they were treated with so much love that they decided to come and serve the Lord with the people," said Le Grange.

For more information about the next Street Shower planned for December, please contact Le Grange on 083 703 4501 or send an email to info@streetshower.co.za.

Pure bliss. Photo: Visionary Moments