A meal every Monday for the mentally challenged
Every Monday, for the past seven years, Aristides “Stitch” Manikas, owner of the Boma, has opened his heart and restaurant doors to mentally-handicapped children and adults from Avril Elizabeth Home.
Manikas has provided a warm meal, like clock work, for the 150 or so intellectually-challenged adults and children from the home.
The home provides 24-hour monitoring as well as physical, emotional and psychological care to its residents who range in age from four to 72 years.
This year, the adults and children have been coming in small groups (about 50 people) every week, however, on Monday December 9, the entire home’s residents and caregivers were given a treat by the Boma to celebrate Christmas.
The guests of the day enjoyed a free buffet, and were each given a goodiebag.
Manikas enjoys giving to the less fortunate and putting a smile on their faces. He, however, prefers giving food rather than money.
He approached several companies and suppliers to join in this initiative by assisting in any way to no avail, and so continued valiantly the project on his own.
“When I started providing this lunch, I was tired of giving money to the homeless, who misuse it by buying alcohol and drugs,” says Manikas.
Manikas says he wants nothing in return for his kindness.
The home has expressed their gratitude to Manikas in a statement they released.
“His generosity is beyond measure. The residents live for their outing on a Monday,” says CEO of the home, Cathy Jooste.
“Without looking at our watches, we know what time it is, as our residents excitement builds,” says manager of the home’s Stimulation Centre, Nicky Tudor.
Jooste adds that Manikas does not realise what a great deal the outing is to the residents.
“On their behalf I’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for all he has done for them.”
