ECPF helping behind the scenes
The Edenvale Community Drive started in Level 5 was initiated by ECPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell after she heard about several Eastleigh families in need.
Stuck in their homes and behind masks, members of Edenvale CPF remain dedicated to helping the community and those and need.
Members of the forum, with the assistance of various NPOs in town, are ensuring families in need are being provided with food.
The Edenvale Community Drive started in Level 5 was initiated by ECPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell after she heard about several Eastleigh families in need.
Sheryl said as word of the drive spread the pleas for assistance grew.
At the end of April Sheryl called upon the assistance of other ECPF members to help her package and deliver the food parcels.
She explained that food and financial donations made by community members and businesses are collected over a period of two weeks before the food parcels are put together.
When volunteers receive the donations they are sanitised and wiped down with sanitiser.
Once the parcels of non-perishable food are created they are donated to families in Edenvale every two weeks.Over 200 families in Edenvale benefit from the drive.
Sheryl explained that as community members return to work and land back on their feet many no longer need the assistance of the drive.
“Once a family is earning their incomes again they usually notify us and often tell us to donate the parcel to a family which needs it more. The honesty is nice and the volunteers appreciate it.”
She said volunteers of the food drive try to meet three days a week to put parcels together for community members.
An example of what is included in the parcel is a soup pack, which can feed four, containing rice, spices and various dried produce.
Sheryl said before the soup packs were included they were tested by volunteers to ensure they were suitable for the food parcels.
“In a way, the CPF’s hands are tied by the lockdown, but we have been able to help so many people through WhatsApp and social media. Patrollers and neighbourhood watch members are itching to be out in the community assisting residents and businesses as they previously did.”
Overall Sheryl expressed her pride in the residents of Edenvale for being largely compliant.
She believes because of the lockdown leaders have risen from the ranks of community members and volunteer organisations alike.
“I have seen some posts on social media of people complaining about the lockdown or police behaviour, but when I reach out to assist them they often don’t respond. If community members feel they have been wronged by the police they should contact the ECPF to get an investigation into the matter underway. We need facts, and credible information for a proper investigation.”
Looking forward to the end of lockdown Sheryl encouraged community members to take the lessons learned during this time forward.
“What will define us and the community is how we come out of the lockdown.”
Once the lockdown comes to an end Sheryl hopes to continue doing a similar food drive.
“It may not be every two weeks, but just a drive to get people who are battling through tough times.”
Contact the ECPF through its Facebook page to learn how you can assist the community or if you want to bring a matter to their attention.
