Wentworth Angels was borne out of a much needed plight from the disadvantage, unemployed and abused victims residing in the Wentworth community.
Tracey Williams the founder of Wentworth Angels, was born and raised in the Wentworth community. Her parents would assist needy people in the community and she followed suite when she grew up.
Her parents would welcome abused and needy people with open arms into their home, especially those that needed a safe haven. They fed many people near and far and at Christmas time, would throw a huge party for the underprivileged kids in our community.
The passion to care ran in her entire family… her uncle, Johnny Bernon would sponsor his time and his taxis to transport the children to and from my parents’ home.
Williams parents did this on her father’s salary alone, with some sponsorship from businesses in and around the community who would assist when they could but her parents were always blessed to have the support of the community and many ladies teamed together after some years and started getting the sponsors her parents would need, to assist all who approached them for some kind of much needed assistance.
“My siblings and I were blessed to have them as parents and they always ensured we were well taken care of and provided for as well.
“I have cherished memories of the philanthropic work my parents did, to put a smile on young kids and old people’s faces in the community.”
“It was because of them that I adopted the “pay if forward” initiative, especially at Christmas time, to buy a gift for someone in need.”
Individuals and families who knew the Williams family, started approaching Tracey on a daily basis for assistance. Whether it was food to feed their family, much needed shelter and even abused victims seeking a safe haven.
Williams would always open her doors and assisted wherever possible, without knowing or planning… Wentworth Angels was born.
“My career started off as a Secretary at the then, Durban City Hall and during my lunch time, I would see many hungry people loiter around the gardens, opposite the City Hall. Every day, I use to get up a little earlier and made extra sandwiches, to feed these individuals. My hunger grew to bless more and more people.”
“On leaving the municipality, I started my own catering business and kept sowing my seed in the community. I would get calls and visits from unemployed mothers and families, who were in dire need of a meal and some assistance.”
“Many of these homes have no income whatsoever and may of their children went to school on an empty stomach. I knew I could help so I would cook some meals and buy them groceries and personally deliver them.”
Wentworth Angels has since become a registered non-profit organisation that assists abused woman and children in Durban. They provide a safe haven for these families as they try to put back the pieces of their lives. Currently they receive no government funding, and the shelter has been kept open by generous sponsors, and its founder who has supported it through the profits she has made from her own catering business.
Christmas is a time for giving, receiving presents, spending time with family and having fun for most of us South Africans. If you’re looking to make a difference, get involved with the Wentworth Angels here.
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