Church and local organisation unite to feed the homeless
About 29 blankets which were received as part of the Benoni City Times blanket drive were also donated to the less fortunate.
A bitter cold June 1 morning turned into a blessed occasion for 200 homeless people who received hot soup, fresh bread and blankets.
This gesture was made possible by members of the Gracious Gift Foundation in collaboration with Eternal Life Christian Church and Benoni City Times.
From as early as 09:00, members of the church were setting up their gazebos and ensuring the meal was ready for serving at a parking space near the busy intersection of Twin Road and Bunyan Street.
Desperate job seekers who line the sidewalks also took advantage of the free meal.
Before beneficiaries were served, they were prayed for by a number of pastors who attended the outreach programme.
About 29 blankets, which were received as part of the Benoni City Times blanket drive which kicked off in May at The Falls SUPERSPAR and later at the Local Choice Pharmacy in the same centre, were donated to the less fortunate.
The church added 120 more blankets to this number.
According to Peter Fouche, chairman of the Gracious Gift Foundation, the initiative was aimed at alleviating hunger, especially for the homeless who beg at street corners.
“With winter upon us, we thought this was the right time to reach out to the needy, with blankets for the cold and something to eat because this could be the only meal they get for week or month,” he said, adding he hopes to see more people get involved and make a difference.
“Our country is facing an economic crisis. Some people find themselves on the street not by choice but circumstances, such as unemployment.
“Our ultimate goal is to have a dignified space to cater for the homeless where they can bath and enjoy a nutritious meal,” said Fouche.
Katlego Cindi, one of the many beneficiaries, said he was incredibly humbled by the church’s effort of providing food.
City Times sales representative Mercia Morton expressed gratitude to everyone who donated a blanket to this worthy cause.
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