Christmas arrived early last Sunday morning for more than 120 children at Nomzamo Educare in Gugulethu when they were joined by volunteers from Pioneers of Change, a group of Sunday league football players, who handed over gifts.
The founding member of the group, Tumelo Pudumo said as men in sport they thought it was important to help each other and they decided to start by addressing the needs of the young children.
He said during this time of the year they wanted to remind men that it was important to think about their children whether in marriage or out of wedlock.
He said when the educare approached them about their needs, they never hesitated to put their heads together and made a call for shoe boxes filled with treats or necessities.
“We wanted to have 100 shoe boxes. That does not mean shoes per se but each should put something in the shoe box, be it toys, toiletries or stationery. This is what these men did for the children. We are also on a drive to make sure that we remind men that it is important for them to be responsible for their children. We do not care whether they are separated, but the child needs to be taken care of by his or her dad,” said Mr Pudumo
He added that men should believe in themselves, know exactly who they are and be responsible.
He said men should build a better foundation for their children.
The group of players also help the elderly who feel neglected; schools with shoes and sanitary towels; and those who are sick.
“We have different projects where we also help the sick, the schools and the seniors. Each year we have two big projects and events. We are doing all these to encourage people to donate to the needy and the poor. It is good to donate and give to those who are in need. I am happy and grateful to have a group of former players who are always willing to open their hearts and make a difference,” he said.
He emphasised that they are not a welfare organisation but a group of Sunday League players with good hearts. “Most of us are not even working. We do not get anything from the government. We buy things from our pockets and we also ask for donations to people that we know have good hearts. We have doctors in the area that are also happy to back us and donate. We can say that our God has been good to us, that is why we are here today,” he said.
Colleen Maqwali from the educare said the whole team of teachers and the children were grateful to the Pioneers of Change.
“We asked them to come and see our educare and see for themselves what they can do. We had a meeting that was progressive. Here we are today with a lot of things that they came up with. We also motivated them to do more and they have promised to give paints, mattresses and other things for our children. We are over the moon,” she said.
Parent and street committee member Phumzile Nywangi was ecstatic. He praised the group as being “real role models”.
He called on the parents to support the group and assist it when they are asking for donations for other areas too. “They have made us proud and have shown true professionalism. Phambili ngePioneers Phambili.”
The children and the school staff sang and danced as they expressed their gratitude towards the donors.