Donations uplift communities across Durban

WHEN local resident Kerryn Rodwell, set out to help as many families affected by the nationwide lockdown as she could, she had no idea how patients, friends, family and kind-hearted Samaritans would turn that dream into a reality.

Rodwell, a physiotherapist by profession, has set up the NPC, Rural Community Supplies South Africa, which helps deliver food and supplies to rural communities.

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Through her own initiative, she has now raised R500 000 to support those who are most vulnerable in various parts across Durban included, KwaMakutha, uMlazi, Nsimbini, Cato Crest, Mayville, Inanda and Avoca Hills to name a few.

“In all we have provided support to more than 30 different communities with food parcel donations in different areas across the province. When I started Rural Community Supplies, I was the first to donate into the account and my intention was to help as many families as I could, but its thanks to the support of various donors we’ve been able to help so many communities,” she said.

Rodwell explained that through cash donations, both herself and volunteers would then purchase items before distributing it to those in need.

“I have two other volunteers who help pack and drive to the different areas to donate the items. Our message has always been ‘stay home and stay safe’ which is why we limit the amount of people helping donate to the community. In each of the hampers we put together we have essential items like Sunlight soap, soya mince, sugar beans, rice, toilet paper, sugar, tea and maize meal. At the end of a day’s work we feel we have made a difference although we acknowledge the inequality in the poorer communities. We sometimes meet families who have had to go days without food which is heartbreaking,” she said.

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Barrat Dlamini, one of the volunteers for the NPC, said he has seen first-hand the effect on his community in Mayville.

“Many people are not working and are going hungry. We know this virus will be with us for a longtime and to be able to help those who are struggling means so much to me. Like Kerryn said, we hope to continue as long as we can,” he said. If you would like to donate or help out, visit the Rural Community Supplies South Africa Facebook page which has more details.

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