Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS and Karaglen SuperSpar have partnered to provide struggling Edenvale families in the Karaglen footprint with essential food parcels as a result of lockdown.
The community relief initiative, with the help of sponsors and donors, will see that organisations supplying struggling families with food parcels receive the support they need.
“As community members we all have a responsibility to help our neighbours through these very trying times,” said Karaglen director Mr Harry Karamichael.
“There are customers who have supported us for the last 20 years, who now have nothing to eat. It’s only right that we give back,” he said.
Also read: Help support the NEWS and Karaglen SuperSpar’s collection drive this Mandela Day
To kick start the initiative, Karaglen SuperSpar has pledged a donation of R50 000. Additionally, every member of the Karaglen SuperSpar management team has undertaken to support the initiative with one food parcel.
Senior staff members from the NEWS will match the contribution by Karaglen’s management and will also each pledge support with a food parcel.
The food parcels are valued at R300 and contain basic food necessities including rice, soups, porridge and tinned food items, to ease the burden on struggling families.
Residents living in Eastleigh, Hurlyvale, Clarens Park, Edenglen, Edenvale, Buurendal, Highway Gardens, Isandovale, Harmelia, Sebenza and Croydon can nominate themselves or other families by completing the online nomination process form here.
Residents and businesses can join the imitative in the following ways:
• Businesses can sponsor a family for R300 either instore at Karaglen SuperSpar or online
• Residents can make a donation of R300 to cover the cost of a food parcel with their next purchase at Karaglen SuperSpar, either instore or online through the Order-Collect-Pay service offered by Karaglen SuperSpar.
• Residents can also make donations of R20 or more instore or online
The initiative is aimed at supporting organisations already working in the community to see that no resident goes hungry during the lockdown.
Karamichael called on other businesses in the community to join by supporting the very same residents who have supported them throughout the years. “As businesses we have the responsibility to support our communities,” he said.
Also read: NEWS teams up with Karaglen SuperSpar for Mandela Day drive
Editor for the Bedfordview and Edenvale News, Marietta Lombard, said the world we know has changed.
“We are scared of a future that is unknown. Gone are the things we know, but not all of it. As residents, we can find comfort in knowing that the stalwarts like Karaglen SuperSpar and its leader, Harry, have not changed.
“Our community has supported Karaglen and the NEWS so willingly in the past with collections for Mandela Day and we call on you again to maintain that which we know – support for one another. We know times are hard, however, it is only through our continued support of each other that we will one day be able to start rebuilding towards a brighter future,” Lombard said.
Parcel collection process:
All organisations working to supply food parcels to the community are asked to register with Karaglen SuperSpar in order to nominate community members in need of assistance.
Registrations can be done at harry@karaglen.co.za or yolandi@karaglen.co.za or cslater@caxton.co.za
Alternatively, organisations can also apply for registration by sending a WhatsApp message to the NEWS’ assistant editor, Charmaine Slater on 082 410 7967 with their name and the areas they serve as well as a contact number and email address.
Residents needing help must approach one of the organisations registered with Karaglen or apply through the online nomination process to have their names listed at Karaglen SuperSpar for parcel pick-ups.
Only residents who have been nominated, approved and listed at Karaglen will be eligible for parcel collections.
Those collecting parcels will be asked to produce their identity document as well as their proof of residence.
Parcels are strictly limited to one parcel per household. The collection process is curated electronically to ensure accurate and fair parcel distribution to those in need. The items in the parcels may vary and is dependent on stock availability at the time of packing.
Linda McKenzie said there are many families in need of help.
“We have found that most have not received salaries. Then we also have community members who are on a no work, no pay employment basis. We need to respect those who need help. We know of members who are suffering greatly during this time but are too proud to ask for help.” She called on other businesses in the area to join Karaglen in support of the community.
“This is a fantastic initiative. I want to challenge other areas in the Bedfordview Edenvale News and Caxton footprint to set up similar operations in their towns. I also want to urge all NGO’s and local businesses to get involved and get behind this programme,” said Ward 18 councillor Heather Hart.
Also read: Shopper thanks Karaglen
Edenvale CPF chairperson, Sheryl Damerell, said many community members are finding themselves in circumstances they never expected.
“We are in a scary situation where people don’t know when the next paycheck or food item is going to come from. We have to do something to help, no matter how small the donation. Our community is hurting at this point.
She encouraged residents to not be ashamed to asked for help.
“I want to congratulate Karaglen on this initiative. We have to get through these times. We are stronger together as a community and we will get through this and we will get through stronger.”
