In Remembrance of Lucky

“This year, there are no toys, because people here are really hungry,” Sophie explains, as she displays what the Soul Sparkles will get this Christmas. 

It will be the first Christmas without original Soul Sparkle, Lucky. He was the first Soul Sparkle that Aid Africa’s Children met on their medical mission trips to Lethabong. He soon developed a close relationship with them and received educational support that allowed him to graduate from college and get a good job. 

Recently,  he died in a car accident. He was someone that represented hope and leadership that inspired other Soul Sparkles. His loss weighs heavily in the hearts of Soul Sparkles, their supporters, and Aid Africa’s Children.  Lucky is survived by his young wife, Lorraine,  2 boys, and his brother, Thabang.  

Aid Africa’s Children, Vice President of Community Affairs, Debbie Gilliam ran a special fundraising effort for the Soul Sparkles. Her church, the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Wisconsin raised $300. Additional funds were contributed by Aid Africa’s Children for a special Soul Sparkle Christmas in remembrance of Lucky.

Sophie’s Christmas packages included one bag for each family filled with whole grains, rice, baked beans,  tin fish, sugar, cool drinks, and potatoes. Not all Soul Sparkles would be receiving bags. There were 37 bags given in total to current and older Soul Sparkles who were active with the group like Lucky.