Bedfordview groups team up with St John Ambulance to kick off food drive (video)
CEO of St John Ambulance George Woods said the food and essentials drive is in support of the most needy communities.
The Bedfordview community has sprung to action after the Bedfordview Safety Forum (BSF), St John Ambulance and Bedfordview Community Police Forum began a food and essential items drive for those in dire need during lockdown.
George Woods, CEO of St John Ambulance, said the food drive came to fruition on April 9.
Also read: Covid-19 – Community come together during lockdown
“St John Ambulance is the main driver and coordinating party.
“We are working with BCPF, Bedfordview Safety Forum, Bedfordview Methodist Church, ward councillors and a superb cohort of Bedfordview residents who have been assisting,” said Woods.
He described the support of the initiative as unbelievable.
“Bedfordview and Edenvale have such warm and generous hearts.
“We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of these communities,” said Woods.
As per Woods, St John Ambulance worldwide is accustomed to working on these kinds of initiatives.
“We are responding to the dire need of so many who are going hungry as a result of job losses and severe lockdown conditions,” said Woods.
Also read: Covid-19 – Make the most of the lockdown
Bedfordview Methodist Church has also offered their service to the cause, as Woods refers to the church being gracious enough to being the major distribution space for the cause.
“The church has been known for this kind of initiative before and we are grateful,” said Woods.
He sees coming on board to the cause as highly important, as many are starving on the borders of Primrose and Bedfordview.
Woods believes the cause will continue as long as the need exists during the pandemic and is also up to donations received.
He included all staff wear personal protective equipment along the guidelines of the Department of Health.
Woods advises community members to support the cause and make a difference in the lives of those who do not have a voice and is in need of aid.
“We appeal for donations to continue and for volunteers to keep assisting,” said Woods.
According to Woods, the initiative will be going nationwide, with St John Ambulance being a major coordinating body.
Alison Grobbelaar, BCPF PRO, said the response from Bedfordview has been nothing short of spectacular.
“Since we began the drive, our wonderful volunteers have packed and distributed 939 food parcels, 423 sanitary parcels, 46 baby parcels and four special needs parcels,” said Grobbelaar.
She expressed the team is making great progress through the communities’ generosity, although they still have a ways to go.
“All donations, no matter how large or small, are welcome,” said Grobbelaar.
Grobbelaar indicated the food drive focuses on BCPF Sector One, Two and Threes, along with surrounding informal settlements such as Elandsfontein and Primrose.
BCPF chairperson Gavin Henry added the team has made food hampers worth R130 000 as a first order.
He included the team already has R25 000 for the second order of hampers.
“I would like to thank the community of Bedfordview for all of their donations,” said Henry.
Options for donations:
• Food parcel: R620
Compromising one 5kg flour, one 12kg mealie meal, one 5kg rice, one 500g pasta, one 2kg sugar, one 900g peanut butter, one 900g jam, 100 tea bags, 250mg coffee, six-pack long life milk, one 1kg of lentils, one 750ml cooking oil, three tins of bully beef, three tins of pilchards and six tins of vegetables.
• Personal hygiene parcel: R75
Compromising one toothpaste, two body soaps, 10-pack toilet paper, two 10-pack of female hygiene product.
• Baby products parcel: R650
Compromising two 900g baby formula, two 250g baby cereal, 12 125g purity baby food, one jumbo pack disposable nappies and two 72 pack wet wipes.
• Cleaning product parcel: R100
Compromising one 750ml dishwashing liquid, one 750ml washing soap, one 750ml all-purpose cleaner and one bleach.
• Pet food parcel: R200
Compromising two 1.75kg Bobtail dog food and two 1.75kg Catmor pellets.
How to order:
• Select which of the above option/s you wish to donate.
• Make payment to the BCPF.
• Send an email to marketing@bcpf.co.za with detail of your order together with copy of your proof of payment.
• BCPF will facilitate the order, payment and delivery of the items.
Henry stated all donations qualify for a Section 18A Tax Certificate and will be provided on request.
BCPF Banking details:
- Bank: First National Bank
- Account name: Bedfordview Precinct
- Account number: 59631166864
- Branch code: 252155
