Winter wardrobe for Lesray
by Magriet Smit
We hear of gang related violence every day in the Western Cape. During a conference about “Church and Justice” the Groote Kerk hosted earlier this year, I had the honour to meet Lesray Mentor and her family. Little Lesray’s life changed forever when her mother died during a senseless gang related incident which is also linked to taxi violence earlier this year.
Every mother knows how difficult it is to go back to work after maternity leave. That first day you have to say goodbye to your little one. It was the same for Lesline Mentor. For this single mom it was hard to go back to work and leave her daughter, but she was the financial provider and had no other choice.
For Lesline and Lesray it unfortunately was the last time they saw each other. Lesline became the victim of a senseless attack in which the taxi owner was also shot and killed.
Her family was heartbroken when they heard the news. Lesline’s mother, Francina, is looking after Lesray now, but they admit that they do not always have the financial means to provide.
We wanted to bless Lesray and decided to assist in buying her a new winter wardrobe.
It was such a special day with Lesray and her Aunt Libby. Our prayer is that this gesture of new clothes will be a symbol of hope for this family and that there are people out there that truly care about them.
Thank you to every person who made this possible. Lesray truly looks like a little Princess in her beautiful new winter wardrobe!