Thirty homeless people who may have lost their Christmas spirit while living on the streets were surprised with gift packages from the Groote Schuur Community Improvement District (GSCID) last Friday.

Those who received Christmas packages are part of a GSCID programme which focuses on assisting homeless people living in the surrounding areas of Mowbray.

Groote Schuur Community Improvement District (GSCID) gave out Christmas packages to 30 people.

GSCID general manager, Barbara Breedt said: “As far as we are aware, most homeless individuals spend Christmas day on the streets. The holidays can be especially difficult for those who are estranged from their family, struggle financially, or do not have a home to go to. A little kindness and love can go a long way, especially in these particularly harsh times.”

Ms Breedt said during last week the GSCID office was turned on its head, as the team got busy packing Christmas hampers for those in the homeless programme.

“We used funds from our social budget to purchase food for those on our programme and we received donations from Little Mowbray Rosebank Improvement District (LMRID),” she said.

The Christmas package included easy to open food, such as canned foods, coffee, tea, sugar, powdered milk, two-minute noodles, instant soup, and something sweet -a packet of chips and a bottle of concentrated juice. The homeless also received a meal and gift pack from Pick ‘n Pay Observatory.

Ms Breedt said: “Each of us can make a real difference in the life of someone with very little, whether it's by donating necessities, a bit of money, or even just your valuable time. This is a time to help in whichever way you can. It all starts with you.”

GSCID office administrator, Monique Daniels, said: “The homeless are often grateful to have been thought of, particularly during this time. They were very grateful and so happy to have received a gift and a decent meal. This takes place every year during Christmas time.”