Women flock to NPO for shoes
ALEXANDRA – Poorly resourced NPO alleviates poverty, suffering in Alex.
The extent of poverty in Alex became evident in a handover of donated good.
This was during a donation by NPO, Blessed Is The Hand That Giveth of new pairs of shoes for women, soccer kits to two junior football teams and goodies at one of its regular charity events.
As word about the shoe donation got out, the NPO on 10th Avenue was inundated with women who came in droves hoping to be the lucky ones from about 50 pairs which were taken within 15 minutes.
A beneficiary Sibongile Serekejo said, “Nothing is given for free these days except by good and caring people. I thank them.”
Among others, the organisation also provides sanitary pads, food daily to school children through a soup kitchen and spiritual support.
Philemon Matume of the NPO said donating is their core mandate in a township struggling with crime and many social ills such as squalor, substance abuse, overcrowding and a high unemployment rate.
Matume said the NPO, which is not yet supported by the government, relies on donations from individuals and partnerships to bring relief to the needy who increase annually, partly due to rural migration with the hope of jobs and an elusive better life.
“We receive a monthly donation of R1 500 from the company, Wahl, for sanitary pads, and uniforms are distributed to 150 schoolgirls and other needy pupils at five schools on a rotational basis. It’s much less than required.”
He added that Woolworths and occasionally Pick n Pay also donate food to augment the after-school provisions for about 150 to 200 pupils. “They are served by selfless women and grannies who volunteer their services, including cleaning, and are rewarded with food, and from other occasional material donations.”
Another donation is for R1 200, which is received monthly from a female wellwisher; occasional second-hand clothes, blankets and shoes from a Kyalami-based partner; and building material and free labour from companies to revamp school facilities.
These kind acts ensure children do not go to school barefoot and provide beneficiaries with warmth and protection in winter and improve the learning environment.
The NPO’s facilities are also used for homework support, youth activities and events to support and uplift others spiritually.
Details: Philemon Matume 063 005 1940.
