A joint effort among 13 organisations resulted in the recent launch of the Actonville Covid-19 initiative, which has since handed out over 600 meals and health packs to Covid-19 positive patients and those with weak immune systems.
Manogari Muthayan, founder of the 200% Foundation, said due to the high amount of Covid-related fatalities and the extreme shortage of resources within the Actonville community, they appealed to the various religious institutions for support.
“The plan was to serve rasam, also known as king soup, which is a traditional south Indian drink that contains black tamarind, black pepper corns, jeera, turmeric powder, sugar, dry chillies, tomatoes, garlic, onions and curry leaves.
“It is the ultimate immune booster and is served in Indian homes to fight colds and flu,” she explained.
In addition to the rasam, vegetable packs, medical care packages containing vitamins, fresh soup, hot meals, Ayurvedic immune-boosting turmeric drinks, vitamin boosting lemon drinks, self-care packages and food hampers have been assembled to ensure that patients stay home and contain the spread of the virus.
There is also a team of trauma counsellors to offer grief and bereavement counselling and trauma support for those in distress.
A team of doctors and nurses have also stepped in to offer medical advice.
All of these services are strictly online.
“The response from the community has been phenomenal. NPOs, businesses, individuals, doctors and health-care workers have all stepped in to contribute and lend a hand.
“Everyone has pitched in, from the preparation of meals and sharing of resources to the distribution of the care packages,” she said.
Manogari added that contributions have even come in from former Actonville residents who are now abroad.
“From the list of over 300 people that have requested assistance, a total of 56 people have recovered completely and there were two deaths. Each day more people recover, but new people are added to the list.”
Kerbside deliveries are done with great caution and discretion and in full PPE compliance.
Deliveries are done within Actonville only.
For any Covid-positive people requiring assistance in the Benoni area, arrangements for collection can be made.
The following information can be sent to the 200% Foundation on 074 099 0999:
• Name
• Surname
• Area
• Telephone contact number
• Address
• Number of people infected
“During this dark time, with the pandemic causing so much mayhem, panic, chaos and destruction, the most beautiful outcome was the coming together of a community. This has been the first and only positive aspect this pandemic has brought. There is a sense of healing and hope within our community,” she concluded.
The 13 organisations that jumped on board are Veda Vidya Mandir, Benoni Sai Centre, Benoni Swami Narayan Centre, SMKSSA – Wynberg Street, Benoni Tamil School Board, Amman Temple – Mackenzie Park, Shri Benoni Gujarati Hindu Seva Samaj, Thamizh Isai Seva, Thamizh Seva Sungam, Yahara Charity Group, Hope and Help Foundation, Mani Foundation and 200% Foundation.
For anyone wishing to get involved or contribute to the project contact Manogari on 074 687 8151.
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