Beryl Williams celebrated her 55th birthday and 25 years as a community worker on Monday March 28 by throwing a party for the children of Phumlani Village and Riemvasmaak, in Lotus River.
Ms Williams, or Auntie B as she’s more commonly known, runs a soup kitchen in Lotus River, and for her birthday, she served food to 170 kids and 30 adults. They were given chicken akni, ice lollies, party packets and juice.
“Pick n Pay Constantia donated cake, doughnuts and rolls for my birthday celebration which were given to the adults and children. Seeing the joy and happiness on the children’s faces made me happy. Most of those kids never ever had a birthday party, they told me,” said Ms Williams.
Ms Williams said she planned to carry on feeding the needy in the community. “They are my passion, my pride, my ’mensies’.”
Her friend, Brenda Appolis, a retired teacher, from Die Duine Primary School, in Lotus River, has been helping Ms Williams for 10 years.
“I help Beryl and contribute towards the food as well. We make the food ourselves in Beryl’s kitchen. Beryl’s birthday was on Sunday, but she fed the children on Monday. She has been helping the community for years and when she was working she would give her bonus to make food for the kids.”
The two friends feed the children on a Monday with either porridge for breakfast or sandwiches for lunch.