By Sue-Ann Wayow
EVERY year, Shanti Karpat, a resident of Felicity gives Christmas cheer to the children in her community.
This year was no different.
Karpat, 64, was determined not to disappoint the children, even though she was disappointed, robbed and beaten almost three weeks ago.
Karpat owns a bar at her residence at Nolan St.
Still traumatised from the incident, she shared a bit of her ordeal with AZP News.
On December 9, she opened up her business a little later than usual at around 12.30 pm and sat on a couch outside.
Two men, pretending to be customers approached her, ordered two beers and proceeded to enter the bar.
She got up from the couch to follow them and was grabbed from behind.
Karpat said, “That was it. They good beat me.”
She was treated medically but she still has pains in her body.
Karpat said while the police came and assisted, camera footage was not clear enough to properly identify the suspects who were able to make off with cash and alcohol.
A little jokingly she said, “They have real high-end taste. They took all the whiskey and champagne and left some of the other brands.”
The Christmas treat for about 150 children took place in the same yard where she was accosted on December 22.
It was transformed into a Christmas area with bouncy castle, face painting and other fun activities for the children.
Karpat said usually she gives toys, but this year, she decided to give out schoolbags with school items.
“It is something I am accustomed to,” she said when she gave her reason for continuing with the treat despite the setback.
And she has something else to be thankful for and to celebrate as she turns 65 on New Year’s Day.
As a business owner, Karpat advised others to be extremely careful during the Christmas season and to also look out for each other.
