The Manger Care Centre (MCC) in Brentwood Park runs the risk of having to close its bakery in the next three months due to a lack of income, which would result in five bakers losing their jobs.
MCC Bakery was established in July 2009 as part of a self-sustainable and income-generating project, boasting a fully equipped bakery in which staff/beneficiaries are trained to become fully qualified to operate in this professional environment.
Sarika Loubser, fund-raiser at the organisation, explained the pandemic has decreased their profit intake.
“Our orders have decreased over the past few months as people do not have money to buy from our bakery.
“We also resorted to reducing the price of our bread, which is our biggest seller, and that has reduced our profit rating as we only make a profit of 50 cents on each loaf we sell.”
The bakery spends almost R20 000 a week, which is allocated to the daily running of the bakery, including purchasing ingredients, electricity, transport and paying the staff.
“We need sponsors for our bakery to assist us with the expenses; our biggest expense is white flour as we use a lot of it to bake our products.
“Management had informed us if we do not pick up sales or receive sponsors, we will have to close the bakery.”
Three of the five bakers are beneficiaries at MCC, while two are employed by the organisation.
“Once the bakery has closed, this would leave five people without a job, and we will no longer be able to train beneficiaries,” she said.
The bakery sells and delivers (by arrangement) sweet and savoury platters, bread, rolls and biscuits.
Residents who would like to sponsor or purchase baked goods from the bakery can contact the organisation on 011 747 8700.
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