Winter Warmers 2021
Winter Warmers 2021
"Never stop doing little things for others. Sometimes, those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.”
Indian writer, Ritu Ghatourney
2021 was the sixth year of running WINTER WARMERS. It is one of the major parish initiatives in the year when we reach out to help people who are less fortunate than ourselves as the bitter cold and wet months of the Cape winter approach. As in previous years we collected winter clothing, and bedding items. This year we also appealed for cash donations to purchase blankets (100% of which spent on blankets).
This year the suffering of people has been exacerbated by the devastating effects of the corona-virus pandemic and the needs have been greater than ever before – more people have lost their jobs and are unemployed, even more people have turned to drugs in desperation, the elderly have been more isolated than ever, and gangs continue to mercilessly prey on the vulnerable and weak. People feel emotions of despair, hopelessness, anger and desolation. Has the world abandoned them?
The 2021 campaign took place over 3 weeks starting 15/16 May until 29/30 May when the bags were collected and taken for distribution to the beneficiaries. All donated bags went to the St. Vincent de Paul Society that serves the communities where the need is greatest, where people are marginalised, and who have little other help.
THE RESULTS
On behalf of Fr Robert, Community Outreach and the Parish Council, we would like to thank everyone for the amazing generousity in support of our annual Winter Warmer campaign.
The goods so kindly donated have been given to the ministries of the St Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Society, associated with our fellow Catholic Parishes, for distribution among the poor in their communities.
100 Bags / 1400 Blankets
This year we collected the equivalent of no less than 100 black bags full of clothing and bedding – the second highest number of bags in the six year history of this annual campaign. In addition, the Parish received cash donations for the purchase of 1400 blankets – an almost unbelievable number and well above all expectations.
100 Bags
On Sunday 30th May, the SVdP ministries in Hout Bay, Steenberg and Delft collected their share of the donated clothing and bedding bags. In addition, 100 new blankets were delivered to each of these Parishes. This was according to plan and to our original expectations.
But we had received enough cash donations to purchase 1400 blankets, 1100 more than anticipated!!
1400 Blankets
On Friday 11 June, we were able to have 100 new blankets delivered to each of the SVdP ministries in the 9 Catholic Parishes of Athlone, Belgravia, Bonteheuwel, Grassy Park, Lansdowne, Manenberg, Mountview, Nyanga and Vredenburg.
100 blankets were delivered to the NOAH operations in Khayelitsha, NOAH being a Catholic charity focusing on the aged (NOAH = Neighborhood Old Age Homes).
75 blankets were delivered to the Missionaries of Charity in Khayelitsha, the Missionaries of Charity being the religious order founded by Mother Teresa.
As mentioned above each of SVdP in Hout Bay, Delft and Steenberg received 100 blankets (according to our original plan).
25 blankets have been retained in the Parish Office for walk-ins and emergency needs.
THANK YOU!
In total, therefore, thanks to the amazing generosity of parishioners and other donors, Constantia Parish has been able to support 14 charitable organizations with clothing and/or bedding, 11 more than originally envisaged at the start of this year’s Winter Warmer campaign.
For this generousity, Fr Robert, Community Outreach and the Parish Council are most grateful and thank everyone most sincerely. We especially thank everyone on behalf of all the people who were recipients of this kindness, care and concern and for making a difference in their lives. May God Bless you.
BENEFICIARIES
- Holy Family Catholic Church, Manenberg - 100 blankets
- St. Anne's Catholic Church, Steenberg - 30 bags of clothing + 100 blankets
- St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church, Grassy Park - 100 blankets
- St. Jude's Catholic Church, Vredenburg - 100 blankets
- St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Delft - 40 bags of clothing + 100 blankets
- St. Mary's Catholic Church, Nyanga - 100 blankets
- St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, Athlone - 100 blankets
- St. Matthews Catholic Church, Bonteheuwel - 100 blankets
- Our Lady Help of Christians, Landsdowne - 100 blankets
- Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Hanover Park 100 blankets
- Our Lady of the Sea Catholic Church, Hout Bay - 37 bags of clothing + 113 blankets
- Missionaries of Charity, Khayelitsha - 75 blankets
- NOAH (Neighbourood Old Age Homes) - 100 blankets
- Regina Coeli Catholic Church, Belgravia - 100 blankets
WINTER IS NOT OVER ...
But winter is not yet over, so if anybody has unwanted used clothing and bedding in good repair, please drop off at the Parish Office and we will ensure it is delivered to those in need of a “winter warmer”.
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ― Charles Dickens
Thank you for your generousity.
CONTACT US
For more information contact:
Barry Smith
Winter Warmers Co-ordinator
Community Outreach Committee
Phone: 071 360 9969
Email: bjksmith60@gmail.com
Or contact the Parish Office on 021 794 5185 or materecl@constantiacatholic.co.za
ABOUT ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
Run almost entirely by volunteers, the St Vincent de Paul Society, founded in 1833, is a worldwide organisation of lay Catholics who want to express their faith through service to the poor by alleviating the lives of the poor and destitute.
It has been operating in South Africa since 1856 and is a registered non-profit and public benefit organisation (NPO 003/193).
Every day, its 2500 members and volunteers (from over 200 parish committees known as ‘conferences’) reach out to vulnerable and marginalized people in their local community, aiming to provide a hand up, not just a hand out to help people escape the trap of poverty. These are groups of members from all walks of life who join together to relieve suffering and promote human dignity amongst the poor.
The Mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society in South Africa is to deepen the faith of its members – to go out into our nation to heighten the awareness of Jesus Christ.
They do this by sharing themselves (who they are and what they have) with the poor on a person-to-person basis. They seek to co-operate in shaping a more just and compassionate South African community.
Their preferred option in this mission of service is to work with the poor in development, by respecting their dignity, sharing their hope, and encouraging them to take control of their destiny.
St. Vincent de Paul said; “There is no better way to ensure our eternal happiness than to live and die in the service of the poor.”
QUOTES
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
― John Bunyan
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
“Non nobis solum nati sumus.
(Not for ourselves alone are we born.)”
― Marcus Tullius Cicero
“I don't want to live in the kind of world where we don't look out for each other. Not just the people that are close to us, but anybody who needs a helping hand. I can’t change the way anybody else thinks, or what they choose to do, but I can do my bit.”
― Charles de Lint
“Love is not patronizing and charity isn't about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same -- with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead.”
― St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata
“Give, but give until it hurts.”
― St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata
“Good works is giving to the poor and the helpless, but divine works is showing them their worth to the One who matters.”
― Criss Jami, Killosophy
“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.”
― Shannon L. Alder
“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others
cannot keep it from themselves.”
― James Matthew Barrie
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions,
and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
― Amelia Earhart
“An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves.”
― Lydia M. Child
“To me, there are saints every day.
They stand up and help others
and live for others
and do things for others.”
― Theodore Melfi
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
― Proverbs 11:25
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
― Luke 6:38
THANK YOU LETTERS
"We as St Jude’s Conference would like to wholeheartedly thank you for your kind donation of 100 blankets which we have received during the Month of June 2021. These blankets were a Godsend and blessings for those whom have received the blankets as this winter on the West Coast would be very cold. We have distributed your blankets with our monthly food parcels this past weekend, in the following areas; Elandsbay. Velddrift, St Helena Bay, Vredenburg and Saldanha."
Grant Julius, President
"On behalf of the good people of Delft I write to express our heartfelt appreciation to you and to the Outreach team of Constantia Parish for your support and donation of clothes and blankets. We have received the blankets as well and may God continue to strengthen and bless you always. Once again thanks a million times. "
Fr Temi Eyeowa, CMF
"Your kind gesture made a great impact on the needy in our communities. Also your continued support towards our monthly food parcels and soup kitchens makes a huge difference in the lives of the poor of Cape Town and surrounds. Thank you. May the light of our Heavenly Father continue to shine upon you and your loved ones."
" Greetings and best wishes. Trust that you are keeping well and staying safe. This letter serves to thank you and the parishioners of Our Lady of the Visitation, Constantia, for the wonderful donation of 100 blankets received recently. These blankets have come in handy, as we were able to assist families who lost most of their possessions in a fire recently. The others we hand out to those most in need, when we distribute soup and a meal on Tuesdays and Fridays. This we do as there is always a demand in the community. Thank you once again for your generosity. It is highly appreciated.
With every good wish and blessing."
Yours in Christ
Fr Peter Ziegler, Parish Priest
"On behalf of the Saint Vincent de Paul members of the above mentioned conference, I want to thank you and the parishioners of Our Lady of the Visitation for providing us with 100 blankets to continue the good works of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
We are deeply moved by your generosity. I want you to know that your Winter Warmth Blanket Project made a major difference for a number of destitute people. We have started handing out blankets to Flamingo Crescent informal Settlement and to Lansdowne Station Homeless settlement.
You brought happiness, comfort and warmth to so many who are desperately struggling to survive the cold winter months. I am forwarding the photos of our handout.
Take care and stay safe."
Yours in serving in hope
Gerardine Herbert
"It is with a humble and grateful heart, we the SVP Conference of Regina Coeli, St Francis Conference, would love to thank you for your awesome kindness of your donation of the 100 winter blankets. Your support, encouragement and commitment to reaching our goals in providing for the less privileged people of our community of Vygieskraal, Kewtown and Slivertown.
We pray that the Good Lord keep you and your family well and safe.
God Bless."
Yours in Christ, Ivan Dingwill, PRESIDENT
