The only thing Waylin Valentine wanted for his birthday was to share a hot meal with the homeless. And, with the help of his parents, Waylin’s birthday wish came true.
Armed with boxes of cheeseburgers, chips and cooldrinks he set off for the Hermanus Night Shelter in Mount Pleasant, where he handed out 32 MacDonald’s meals to the surprised guests and staff.
Christine May, the night supervisor, said it was a “really big big treat” and surprise for the residents of the shelter.
“They were extremely grateful and excited and couldn’t stop talking about the special treat,” she added.
One of the residents, identified only as Thinus, thanked Waylin for the special treat and everyone joined in as they sang Happy Birthday to him.
Waylin’s dad Wian said his son’s request came as no surprise as he often reached out to the less fortunate who come across his way.
“One of his teachers at Curro Castle taught her class that sharing is caring and I think this is where the foundation was laid. We as a family also always try to help wherever we can so we felt very blessed when we saw how happy our son’s gesture made everyone.”
Waylin, who celebrated his 13th birthday on Tuesday 9 July, said handing out the meals was his way of making a positive contribution to society.
“My mom and dad always spoil me with presents,” he said, “and they teach me never to look down on anyone, so I wanted to fill the people at the shelter’s stomachs with a special meal to celebrate my birthday,” he stated.
