The Wimpy franchise will be giving back to the Benoni-based Friends of Martin de Porres non-profit organisation when they deliver meals and other goods, with the help of the community, to the organisation on December 7.
“Our organisation cares for the poor and destitute community of Barcelona, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Etwatwa,” said Michelle MacGregor (Friends of Martin de Porres).
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“I was recently contacted by a franchise manager from Wimpy who suggested I start a charity drive at their branches on the East Rand appealing for the public to donate items for the Barcelona community.”
According to Michelle, meals will be sponsored by the franchise for the December event.
Donations, which can include clothing, shoes and stationery, can be dropped off at the following points:
• Wimpy Lakeside Mall
• Wimpy Lakefield Roadhouse
• Wimpy Mall@Carnival
• Wimpy East Rand Mall (entrance three)
• Wimpy Oakfields
“Friends of Martin de Porres is named after a well-known Catholic saint who cared for the poor and destitute of society,” explained Michelle.
“It is a small, primitive community centre from premises built out of old shipping containers which have been donated over the years.
“Up until recently, the centre ran without running water or electricity.
“Despite these challenges, for the past 10 years the organisation runs a nursery school and provides basic education as well as adequate nutrition to 40 children between the ages of three and 14 years old.
“We also run an aftercare facility for children who attend the surrounding schools in the area and assist them with homework and provide them with a meal.
“For many children in the community, this is the only meal they have for the day.
“We also run a soup kitchen from the centre which is attended by over 500 women and children every Saturday.
“On average, we distribute over 1 000 meals a week.
“Food parcels which are collected from various donors are also distributed to the community as well as old clothing, shoes and stationery.”
For more information contact Michelle on 071 6804311 or email her at michelle@gloves.co.za
