KwaThema – When Esther Mbukwane of KwaThema started buying food parcels for the people of Barcelona from her own pocket 18 years ago, she had no idea her organisation, “Hope of Hunger”, would be a registered non-profit organisation that feeds 135 families.
“I grew up in a family of 12 and was the only one who did not go to school and ended up recycling for a living.
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“When I started making money, I decided I would not eat alone but help those around me, and use the little that I have to help others” explains Mama Esther.
Queen Nkane, who has been receiving parcels for a number of years, says Mama Esther is so important to us “because she has been helping our families for years”.
“Just this morning, I realised I ran out of sugar and when I arrived at her house, I was able to get what I needed.”
Mita Mabena shares a similar story.
“I first heard of Mama Esther on EKFM and because I did not have airtime, I sent her a please call me.
“Not only did she call me back but after seeing the situation in my home, she gave me a food parcel that same day,” says Mabena
She continues to say: “My family, which includes my four unemployed children, have never gone to bed hungry since then.”
Mbukwane currently has food parcels ready and asks those who need to come to her house at 10968 Marule Street to collect a parcel on May 8 after voting.
Mama Esther was able to secure sponsorship with Boxer stores in Benoni and Boksburg for 2019 and asks other stores to please sponsor her.
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“Before the deal with Boxer, I paid for the food from my pocket and now that I get help from them, I am able to help more families.
“My plea is for other stores to also step in and donate food so we are able to help more families,” she concludes.
To donate to Hope of Hunger, SMS Hope to 37587 (R5) or contact Mama Esther on 072 611 3582.
