Sid Patel, a businessman from the small town of Kawhia, Waikato has hit the news again by becoming Santa to over a hundred children in Kawhia and Huntly.
Mr Patel has gifted almost 50 cycles to Year 1 to 7 students of Kawhia Primary School and bags containing lunch box, stationeries and other gifts to Huntly Central Kindergarten School children.
Mr Patel owns two dairy stores by the name KBeez Superette in Huntly and Putaruru and a motel in Kawhia and has lived in the country for the last 30 years.
This is not the first instance that Mr Patel has come forward and showed his generosity towards the community, he is well renowned in the Waikato region for being a modest man with a ‘huge heart’.
Mr Patel also gifted Samsung smartphones to Year 8 students of Kawhia Primary as he feels that outgoing students should not be behind in technology.
“I am thankful to God for his blessings, I have two grown up kids both making their own life, and whatever I earn, I try my best to give it to the place where it is most needed,” Mr Patel told The Indian Weekender.
Mr Patel recalls the memories of the childhood saying he belongs to a middle class earning family, his father put food on the table for him, but he missed the gifts.
“I realised that children need to be showered with gifts, it inspires them and makes them feel special.
“That is why I want to bring smiles to not just one but as many children possible. This Christmas no one should be without gifts,” Mr Patel added.
Mr Patel donated $30,000 in 2015 and fully computerised Kawhia Primary, gifted tablets and provided stationeries to children.
Sid Patel with the children handing Christmas Presents (Picture: Mark Taylor/Stuff.co.nz)
“There were only a few computers in that school then, I thought why should only a few students be privileged to enjoy technology, so I managed to get computers in the school and also office chairs for students and IT guys to manage them,” Mr Patel said.
Mr Patel also provides bread and fruits to school children throughout the year in Huntly and Putaruru.
Mr Patel says he had a severe struggle with dyslexia and is illiterate.
Mr Patel credits his success in business and his community efforts to his parents, especially his mother who he calls his role model.
“My mother believed in giving, and that is what she inculcated in me,” Mr Patel added.
His gifts and generosity has earned him the name of ‘Kawhia’s Santa’ as he is lovingly called by the community there.
“I am glad that children have something to take home before Christmas and I believe they too learn the value of giving,” Mr Patel proudly added.
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