Your donations enable us to help the needy – Khanyisa
“Without these donations, Khanyisa would not be able to provide the community with its service, we are enabled by the community.”
Without the support of the community and donors, Khanyisa Trust would not be able to assist its beneficiaries, especially during the lockdown caused by the pandemic.
Traditionally, the NPO was a beacon of hope for those in need, providing warm meals through its soup kitchen, job placement services and teaching self-sustainable skills.
However, since the pandemic, it needed to change its way of operating. Founded by several churches, the organisation was formed to reach out to Edenvale, and pool the resources of churches.
Loraine von Hoesslin of the NPO said the trust continues to provide meals through a takeaway service, but it has temporarily put its job placement services on hold and adjust the skills training according to Covid-19 regulations. But this has not stopped the organisation from helping others further a field.
Loraine said a big positive that came from the lockdown was that it kick-started the NPO’s extended outreach programme. The organisation provides Thembisa-based orphanages Ubuhlebezwe, Setshabelo Orphanage and Bedfordview Methodist Church with 50 litres of soup each week.
Additionally, it provides Sabelo Nursery School with a donation of maize meal monthly. Loraine said the extend outreach programme will not end when operations at the NPO return to normal.
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“We have been so blessed to help other organisations,” explained Loraine. “If it weren’t for the generosity of the community, the staff at the trust would not be able to assist those in need. From individuals to the churches, to small businesses to large corporations, we are so thankful to everyone who has supported us.”
Loraine said whenever the NPO was in need, a letter would be put out to the donors and assistance would arrive.
“Our faithful donors have assisted with all kinds of donations, including food, money, cleaning materials and freezers,” she explained. Loraine highlighted that donations from BM Foods, Linksfield Woolworths and Glenvale Hyper allow the NPO to provide soup and takeaway meals to those in need.
While the NEWS was speaking to Loraine, a community member dropped off 36 tins of corned beef. Loraine explained that the meals provided by the NPO are all planned based on the recommendations and guidelines of a nutritionist.
This ensures beneficiaries receive healthy meals that can sustain them for the day or until they get their next meal. Speaking about sustainable skills training, Loraine said they do run a programme to teach sewing skills.
The course, which has run for 16 years, has taken a knock because of Covid-19. Dipuo Tekana, manager of the NPO, said several years ago beneficiaries who were taught by the sewing programme started their sewing businesses.
“The last time I heard from them, which was before the lockdown, they were doing well and won a tender to do work at a Thembisa and Edenvale school,” said Dipuo.
Loraine said hopefully by partnering with donors like the UK-based IDA Davis Foundation, the NPO can create more success stories. Loraine thanked every donor and community member for their assistance but most of all she thanked the Khanyisa team for making it all possible.
“As the needs of the community change, Khanyisa needs to meet those demands. We have to adapt and with the team and support from the community, that is possible,” said Loraine.
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