Mohammed Jassat, co-owner of Debonairs at the Lakefield Conservatory since March, is already lending a helping hand to the less fortunate in Benoni.
Jassat, who is from KwaZulu-Natal, said when growing up the need to share and be of a giving nature were values that were instilled in him at an early age.
A Doughnation, according to Jassat, is a Debonairs Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative whereby each branch of the franchise collects the offcuts of the pizza dough and turns this into bread for a donation for those who need it most in society.
After a Doughnation in Actonville earlier this year, the entrepreneur saw a need in the community for a basic human right: food.
This, together with Jassat’s willingness to give within his personal capacity and a love for children, made him want to give back to the community even more.
“Everyone deserves to be happy, regardless of who they are or what their background may be like,” he said.
His message about spreading “peace, love and humanity” was one that coincided with the values of the Vincent Francis Legacy Foundation.
After getting in contact with each other, Jassat and the foundation teamed up to feed the children of the Neo-e-Bonolo drop-in centre in Wattville on August 23.
https://soundcloud.com/benoni-city-times/debonairs-doughnation-for-wattville-children
Sharol Naidoo, co-founder and director of the foundation, confirmed they received 80 loaves of bread and 80 slices of pizza that filled the tummies of scores of children at Neo-e-Bonolo on the day.
ALSO READ: Vincent Francis Legacy Foundation launched in Wattville
“The children present today are not just from the school next door (Isaac Makau Primary School), they are also from in and around Wattville.
“Knowing that we can be a part of this and ensuring these children are getting a meal today is a great feeling,” said co-founder and secretary of the foundation Amelia Francis.
Francis, who is the daughter of the late Vincent Francis, said although her father had died when she was fairly young, she wanted to take up his legacy of care and community service.
Francis and Naidoo said they were thankful for Jassat’s contribution.
“Durban has a warm, friendly atmosphere where engaging with the community is one of the key components to everyday life.
“Although I’m new to the area I want to experience that atmosphere and I want to be an active participant in the Benoni community,” Jassat said.
He added he will be doing a monthly Doughnation to the Vincent Francis Legacy Foundation.
Other charities Jassat is involved in include Nyleti Children’s Home in Petite and the Benoni Muslim Charity Organisation.
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.
