In memory of a dear friend

Willie Knox has been with Vistarus for many years and has been a good friend to the people. He got married to the love of his life on the 5th of August 2012. Sadly, Willie passed away in his sleep on the 8th of August. He suffered a stroke and had high blood pressure. Charmaine, his wife, awoke at 1am but he was already gone.

 He could not take his eyes off his bride

After the "I do's"

 

The happy newly weds

 

Willie with his son and best man, Gabriel

Madiba Day 18.07.2012

Yesterday we spent the day helping the street people and hobos by providing food, a shower and clean clothes in honour of Madiba Day. It was rewarding to see their faces light up when they got spoiled by Vistarus Mission Station.

Thanks to our kitchen staff for making a meal for the people who needed a hot plate of food. 

The people went to Summerstrand Hotel and was brought to the Mission.

Waiting in line for clothes and showering necessities.

Refreshed and happy

The kids in our creche were entertained with a jumping castle and face painting.

BayFM was at the Mission until 18:00 interviewing the staff and talking about the purpose of the day.

We want to thank everyone who helped on this day. We hope this fulfilled your lives as much as it did the people's.

Sadness, frustration and a worried community

Everyone at Vistarus have been burdened with heavy hearts for a little boy, William, who’s parents are addicts and could not face staying clean for too long and decided to take their son and live under a bridge where they had the freedom to drink and use again. With no food, little warmth and a dangerous and busy road in front of him, he kept coming back to the Mission but his mother always came to take him back to the bridge.

The shacks under the bridge where some choose to stay.

Although he came back with his father for the weekend of the big storm we had in Port Elizabeth, we learnt that they were gone in the early hours of the morning again.

Father's Day Breakfast

On the special day where fathers everywhere are honoured for their role they play in the family and their children's lives, Vistarus men were spoilt with a delicious meal and entertainment.

Miss Vistarus 2012

Clothing sponsored by Woolworths and evening wear from The Wardrobe, our girls looked like princess' on the runway of the Boardwalk Ampitheatre in Port Elizabeth. Although it was windy and cold outside, the place was filled with warmth, laughter and a lot of energy.

 The teenage girls' first routine was a dance. This was also the first performance of the show.

Candy-Land theme for the younger girls. They looked adorable!

 The girls' outfit of choice

Going Green Theme - the girls wore dresses made out of recycled plastic bags designed and made by the fashion students at NMMU

Formal Wear and the Finale