As the festive season approaches, Radio Tygerberg’s Lift Klub, hosted by Mike Potgieter and Rouchelle Liedemann, has once again demonstrated the remarkable impact of small acts of kindness. With a focus on children living within the challenging socio-economic landscape of the Cape Flats—an area grappling with gang violence—the team initiated a heartfelt mission: to collect 500 Christmas gifts for the children who attend the community-driven non-profit organisation, It’s Amazing.

It’s Amazing, operates essential playschools, aftercare, and holiday care programmes, affectionately known as Babbelbekkies, catering to approximately 500 children each week. The organisation plays a crucial role in the community, offering a safe haven where loving “aunties” provide nourishment, safety, and affection, ensuring that children are kept off the streets.

Inviting their audience to contribute, Radio Tygerberg listeners enthusiastically dropped off gifts, each thoughtfully labelled with the child’s gender and age. The response was overwhelming, with an incredible array of contributions reflecting the deep empathy and generosity of the community.

From grannies who travelled miles, longing for the familial ties they missed, to families keen to give back in gratitude for their own blessings, each gift was a testament to the spirit of giving. Even listeners facing personal hardships joined the cause, propelled by love and shared experiences of struggle. Every present was wrapped with sincerity and heartfelt intention.

When the day of delivery arrived, the Lift Klub team handed over the collected gifts to It’s Amazing founder and director, Lisa Truter. As the final count was made, the tally exceeded their expectations: a remarkable 501 gifts. “These gifts were given with so much love,” Truter expressed, her eyes shining with emotion. “My hope is that every bit of that love travels straight from the hands of the givers to the hearts of the children on the Cape Flats. It will mean more than words can say.”

The gifts will be joyfully distributed throughout the upcoming week, ensuring that each child feels cherished this Christmas.

Reflecting on the experience, Potgieter shared: “Whenever we do projects like this, I start off thinking that we are the ones blessing the kids. But as soon as the project gets going and you meet the listeners who get involved, you realise very quickly that we are actually the ones receiving the blessing.”

Station Manager Rikus van Rooy also took time to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of both the listeners and the It’s Amazing team.

“Since the station’s inception 32 years ago, it has always been our mission to inspire and impact our community. It makes my heart sing when our listeners buy into that mission and help us make a real difference,” he stated. He further highlighted the risks the It’s Amazing team face, noting a recent incident where one of their workers was injured by a stray bullet, underscoring the dire realities these community heroes navigate to serve those in need. Fortunately, she is on the mend.

This Christmas, the listeners of Radio Tygerberg transcended mere gift-giving; they sown hope, dignity, and love into the hearts of children who need it most, illuminating the true spirit of the season amidst adversity.

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