WHILE many chose to spend Christmas with their family members, friends and loved ones, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister within the Ministry of Finance and Bishop of the Winners Cathedral, spent the greater part of Christmas Day afternoon bringing cheer to some citizens of Georgetown.

It was a special day for the minister as, in addition to celebrating Christmas, he was also celebrating his birthday. He chose to spend the time giving to those less fortunate as he mobilized his family members, friends and other well-wishers to join him as he took gifts to the squatters living in that part of Durban Backlands located behind the Chinese Embassy. The children were treated to a party in which he distributed footwear and toys to them, while each adult was given reason to celebrate as the fifty-three households were each given Christmas hampers.

Addressing the community, Edghill encouraged the parents to work with their children to utilise the opportunities being offered by the Government to receive the best education available. He said he was encouraged during his various visits to the community to see children from the community attending the top secondary schools in the city.

He reminded them that education is vital in lifting people out of poverty, and told them that the Government is willing to work with them to ensure they are given a house lot in one of the housing areas, where they would be able to own the land on which they live and be able to improve their lives.

The residents were appreciative of the gesture by the minister, as he is a frequent visitor to the community. Some of the residents attend the Winners Cathedral which he pastors, and the plight of the community was brought to his attention. Members of the church have been working with the community for a number of years.

The children and members of the community took the opportunity to wish the minister a happy birthday.