Belonie resident spreads festive joy and kindness to community |04 January 2020

The festive season is one of giving and sharing. While most people share and live these values with their families and entourage, others have been extending their generosity and kindness towards strangers and those who are less fortunate this festive season.  

Jacqueline Germain, a mother of three who resides at Belonie, has over the past couple of weeks helped to spread the love and joys of Christmas in her community, turning her home kitchen into a soup kitchen and providing food to the hungry on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and during the New Year holidays.

Supported by members of her family who also contributed towards the cause, Ms Germain served up a variety of enjoyed local delicacies including chicken curry accompanied by papaya chutney and sides on Christmas Day and a delectable roast on New Year’s Eve among other goodies.

“There are a lot of unfortunate people who may not be spending a lovely time with their families for various reasons during the festive period. Living in Belonie, I see a lot of young people, addicts, recovering addicts and others in need so I wanted to spread the joys to them this Christmas. I might not be able to help them but a small gesture to remind them that they too are being thought of and that they are loved, on these joyous days,” said Ms Germain.

Asides from cooking the meals, Ms Germain invited the hungry into her home where she dished their meals and interacted with them, a gesture much appreciated by all who was touched by her generosity.

“They were all so appreciative and have been thanking me ever since. In fact, the idea came to me as I was praying recently and my sister encouraged me to go for the idea and I am glad I did. Each and every one of us are important and each of us deserve kindness and love,” Ms Germain added.

Ms Germain and her family’s initiative to serve over 60 meals to other members of her community during the festivities is but one of the admirable acts of kindness and compassion that helped to bring the Christmas and New Year spirit to those in need. So, as we embark on this New Year, remember to be kind to one another.

The accompanying photos show Ms Germain serving her special guests.

Laura Pillay