It was evident at the happy event that simple gestures of care are immensely appreciated by these poverty-stricken children.
Rhodes, also known as Mamma Titte to ’her’ kids, said that the children were overjoyed by the attention they received at the braai. "To see their smiles and hear them laugh made me very happy. The children showed me that a little gift can mean the world to a child," said Rhodes.
It was clear that Rhodes regards the children as her own family, and as such gives them as much as she possibly can.
Rhodes and her husband, Zacharias took it upon themselves to pay for fuel and transport and used their vehicle to transport the children to their Cathy’s Park party.
"We don’t mind paying for things out of our own pockets, even if it is our last. We will do and give to the children what we can without regretting it. That’s how much we love these children; they’re like our own," said Rhodes.
The children received a small gift pack that Rhodes had put together, as well as toys which were donated by PG Glass and Marlise Basson of the E-pap feeding initiative.
The children spent the entire day at Cathy’s Park, reveling in fun activities and good cheer, and concluding the event with a sing-along accompanied by Rhodes on guitar.
The event also celebrated all the blessings Rhodes have received throughout the year. When Aunt Annie’s Home and Soup Kitchen opened its doors to needy children and adults in 2007, their first wish was for a new stove as their old wood-fire stove was rusty and falling apart, making the preparation of food very time-consuming because one could not make more than one pot of soup at a time.
Becoming aware of the soup kitchen’s plight, E-Pap’s Basson and Project Colors (a non-profit organisation that assists and renders services to help other charitable initiatives) recently helped Rhodes to acquire a much-needed new stove and washing machine.
"I have also been blessed with building material to upgrade and extend my home and the play area for the soup kitchen kids and orphans," said Rhodes.
The upgrade of Aunt Annie’s Soup Kitchen and Children’s Home has not yet been finalised . The floor still needs to be completed and the outside area of Rhodes’ home still needs attention. To date windows have been donated by PG Glass, and LPG gas from Robbie Dawes of Agri to help with the smooth operation of the soup kitchen.
Rhodes would like to extend her sincere gratitude and thanks to Outeniqua Bakery for the supply of eight breads daily, PG Glass for all its continued donations, Marlise Basson for donations of E-pap shakes and porridge, Greefs for sponsorship of wors, Project Colors for a donation of R3 000 for building material, and Fruit & Veg City for weekly donations of soup ingredients.
Rhodes hopes that a kind-hearted resident or business owner will donate a second-hand computer to allow her to send information and stay in touch with sponsors and interested parties.
Anybody wishing to assist Annie’s Soup Kitchen and Children’s Home financially or otherwise can contact Rhode at 072 917 3737.
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About 75 children living in Hornlee receive a bowl of soup twice a week at Aunt Annie’s Soup Kitchen and Children’s Home.
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Annie Rhodes and her husband, Zacharias Rhodes, share a moment of happy gratitude with two staff members of PG Glass, who recently installed new windows at Aunt Annie’s Soup Kitchen and Children’s Home in Protea Street, Hornlee.
ARTICLE: ROZANO ALIE
