Biting the hand that feeds you in the CBD

Feeding the homeless is an exercise which too often, unfortunately, brings the old adage “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” to the fore for The Salvation Army in Benoni.

Major Jeffrey Stafford, of The Salvation Army, explained other donations, sometimes packets of clothing and other goods, have also been stolen off the back of the bakkie on its route back to the premises.

“There is mostly only the driver in the cab, and for him to pursue the thieves or try to stop them is too dangerous,” Stafford said.

The bakkie doesn’t have a canopy or any form of secure covering which, Stafford said, would go a long way in preventing this type of thing from happening.

“We are so reliant on donations, especially food, that the entire ‘precious cargo’ being stolen at once sets us back tremendously.

“Somehow we manage to continue our work, but it really is a travesty when the very people we help feed every day steal the little we have,” Stafford said.

The City Times has facilitated a prospective solution for The Salvation Army through a local business which manufactures canopies and is prepared to sponsor a canopy.

“This gesture is incredible and we’re very grateful as it is very important to secure the donations we receive and keep those who assist with doing the collections out of harm’s way,” Stafford said.

These donations are always welcomed:

• Soup ingredients, mainly vegetables and soup bones.

• Bread

• Non-perishable and perishable foods

• Soya products

• Spreads for bread

• Toiletries

Donations can be dropped at the premises on the corner of Howard and Turvey avenues or email Antonette_Grobler@saf.salvationarmy.org for more information.

Follow us on these platforms:

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za

For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.