Turning dark days into rays of hope

When Bedfordview was plunged into darkness last week, residents used the opportunity to come together for those in need.

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As fresh produce and frozen foods began to thaw after days without power, Michelle Bennetts mobilised her community.

“I looked at the food in my fridge and freezer and thought that it was all going to rot. There would be so much wastage,” she told the NEWS.

Her immediate reaction was to find a better solution than throwing all her food out.

“I contacted Jill Humphreys, who has always been someone I looked up to when it comes to community outreach, and she said I should go for it,” Michelle said.

Her next point of call was Michael Broeders from Postnet on Bradford Road.

“I’ve supported Mike for many years and told him I’m not worried how he does it, but this food needs to get out to soup kitchens.”

When Michael agreed, Michelle posted her appeal to as many community groups as she could find.

Michael and his team facilitated the delivery of items to Ithemba Soup Kitchen in Primrose, Klopperpark Soup Kitchen, Khanyisa Trust and Malvern Soup Kitchen.

“The response was amazing. On the first day (Wednesday), we received a few packages, and I thought this would be a non-starter. But on day two, we filled the entire Postnet patio with donated food items.

“I think on the first day of the collection, residents were still holding onto a little hope that the power would be switched on sooner.

“It’s great to see the support of the community on this project. These food items will go a long way towards feeding those less fortunate,” Michael said.

Postnet employee Lulamile Phehlo said the donation drive resonated with him.

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“During the hard lockdown, we started collecting and making food parcels in my complex and community.

“This is such a good initiative from the community of Bedfordview and shows that you can turn an unpleasant situation into a good one.

“It has been encouraging to see the large volumes of donations from the community,” he said.

On Wednesday afternoon, they delivered the first round of donations to Khanyisa Soup Kitchen in Edenvale.
And on Thursday, they dropped donations off for the Primrose and Malvern soup kitchens.

Michelle thanked the community for its generosity.

“These soup kitchens work tirelessly in what they do to support others.”

Michelle hopes the initiative may inspire the community to undertake something similar regularly.

“While buying groceries every month, why not buy a bag of groceries for one of the soup kitchens?

“Despite really struggling through this power outage, the generosity and kindness of the Bedfordview community has blown my heart wide open.”

Help in and around the community was in no short supply.

Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys said it was heartwarming to see how the community rallied together.

She said residents were frightened, angry, and, at times, unreasonable but added it was understandable.

“Many were left completely exposed, their phones were dying and security systems would shut off,” she said.

Humphreys said by Tuesday afternoon when it was announced that repairs would take more than a day or two, help flooded in.

“Residents pooled their resources to offer to help others who may need it. Further help was received from our neighbours in Primrose, Edenvale and Greenstone.

“It thrills me to no extent that people go out of their way to help others in the way that we experienced. We are truly part of an incredible community,” Humphreys said.

Residents who would like to get involved with future community initiatives to support soup kitchens can contact Michelle on 081 515 5772 or at michelle@skillset.co.za

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