The 100% Foundation and Rise Against Hunger Africa made an impactful statement on July 27 when they rose like happy warriors to fight against the scourge of hunger.
Assisted by over 100 volunteers, members of the organisations filled up Wesley Hall at Northfield Methodist Church, rolled up their sleeves and worked hard to pack 40 000 nutritious meals to be distributed to 92 beneficiaries.
This event formed part of the organisation’s Mandela Month initiatives where they seek to make a positive impact and help the less fortunate.
The 100% Foundation’s senior development and project co-ordinator, Janap Biemba explained that upholding Nelson Mandela’s principles and making a lasting impact in the community is their “pinnacle existence”.
“This is an opportunity for us and Rise Against Hunger Africa to impact more lives. One pack of these nutritious meals feeds six people. With us packaging 40 000 meals, can you imagine the number of people we are going to feed?” she asked.
The national event and volunteer manager of Rise Against Hunger Africa, Anneke Senekal said the meals, packed with soya, rice, vegetables and vitamins, can change the life of a child in SA.
According to Senekal, they focus mainly on Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres through their ECD Connect Programme and go “pretty big” on July 18, adding this year they decided to partner with local organisations with similar goals for the entire month.
“We focus on children between one and six because we believe it’s pointless for a child to go to school hungry. So, we provide them with meals,” she said.
The organisation renders its services to unregistered ECD centres. It helps them with a start-up until they are up on their feet and able to look after themselves.
Anneke said their goal is to eradicate hunger by 2030, adding she is confident they would achieve theirs because of the number of volunteers at the event.
“It’s not impossible, just look at the number of people here today! So, if people get on board, our mission will not be impossible. We just need people to come on board and help us reach that goal.”
Biemba said the drive would make a tremendous impact on the lives of their beneficiaries, especially children in ECD centres and the elderly retirement centres.
“The ECD centres and NGOs we look after rely on us for support. So it will make a tremendous impact. With these meals, no child will go hungry or be taught on an empty stomach,” said Biemba.
Mpho Netshezwe from Bacha Ba Dichaba and Phindile Mtshali of Boitumelo Home-based Care Centre thanked both organisations for making a difference in the community.
Netshezwe said the meals will boost their spelling bee participants’ confidence while Mtshali said “their impact is huge and I don’t have the words to describe the difference they’ve made in our organisation”.
Volunteer, Siphokazi Mhlongo expressed her excitement at lending a helping hand, saying, “Sometimes we are selfish. It’s always about us. I decided to take my time and help someone without expecting anything in return.”
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