LOCAL community activist and veteran journalist Jerry Barnes says his annual Christmas lunch is for all disadvantaged or underprivileged children from ward 34.
Areas that are under ward 34 is Eastwood, Cinderella Park and Panorama, including informal settlements such as Malivana, Emikhukhwini (Jesmondene) and Esitimeleni.
Barnes says the aim of the Christmas lunch is to bring together poor communities to make them feel the spirit of the festive season.
“We really need to praise God because our families can afford to be together and have a decent lunch on Christmas day, but what about those people in our nearby poor informal settlements in Malivana, Emikhukhwini and Esitimeleni?
“Remember God always blesses a helping hand. I am challenging and kindly pleading with ward 34 residents to think about those people and bring a smile to the poor communities by organising them a Christmas lunch,” said Barnes.
Barnes says the function is not attached to any political organisation and it is not a political event.
“I am just glad that some people out there are starting to understand the meaning of sharing and helping out.
There are people and a church who have shown interest in helping, but I am still appealing others to join hands.” Good Samaritans interested in donating items going towards the function are welcome and can contact Barnes on 083 521 9553, jerryb.barnes228@gmail.com or deliver goods to 8 Redwood Crescent, Panorama Gardens where the function will take place.