Warm soup for the homeless of Bertrams

Gerald Fitzpatrick Home in Bertrams held a soup kitchen on June 20 to feed about 300 of the community’s homeless.

Manager at the home Patricia Mpala said the soup kitchen was the brainchild of chairperson Craig Barendsen and Bryanston-based non-profit organisation RADA (rape, alcohol, drug and abuse). Mpala explained that the initiative, which saw the elderly at the home prepare the soup themselves, was targeted at making a visible social impact.

“The old ladies prepared the soup in appreciation and support to the community since Gerald Fitzpatrick is an integral part of it. The love that they have shown us is replicated through this and is given as a token of appreciation,” said Mpala.

“It was a good initiative to keep those in need warm during this winter time. While it is the first such soup kitchen, we are hopeful that it had the necessary impact.”

While the initiative was held over a single day, the two organisations are adamant that another soup kitchen may be held in time to come.

RADA general manager Helena Tilston said the soup kitchen was also geared towards creating good synergy between the home and the greater community.

“By providing a soup kitchen from the old age home, it somewhat unifies a marriage between the two.

“We also want to empower people and make sure they are not cold and starving on a cold winter’s day. This is just one of many soup kitchens that we are going to do given that we think that this one has been a fantastic success,” said Tilston.

Asked whether she is confident of the impact and sustainability of the initiative Tilston said she had no doubts.

“This is just one of many that we are planning. But just being able to help even one person on one day is more than doing nothing for people,” she said.