Local farmer determined to help others
The farmer initiated community projects to help those in need.
Some heroes don’t wear capes.
Just look at farmer Nico Schoonbee, who is on a mission to help community members of Boksburg and surrounding areas where possible through social media and his business.
Schoonbee, who farms with cattle and game in Nigel, said he realised how important it is for residents to help each other after a fire destroyed his farm in 2016.
“I was touched by how everybody jumped in to help me get back on my feet after the blaze. Now if I see there is a need somewhere I will try to assist by asking as many people as I can on social media to help,” he said.
The farmer who lives in Elspark in Germiston, started his business, Nico se Plaasprodukte, about two and a half years ago.
Schoonbee sells farm products such as eggs, milk, frozen vegetables and any type of meat at 31 Kingfisher Avenue. He is now also selling products like pancakes and other homemade desserts at stalls in the vicinity of corner Kingfisher Avenue and Constantia Road.
However, Schoonbee is not only selling his goods, but also other entrepreneurs’ products.
“If it’s something unique and fresh, I will advertise the person’s product on my page and group to sell it on their behalf. Four volunteers are helping me with the selling and advertising part. We also sell their products at the stalls.
“Four unemployed people are now able to generate an income.
“People must just note that freshness is important to us, and we want to keep our prices as low as possible.
“Hopefully we can get enough people involved in the future to have enough stalls to hold a boeremark (farmer’s market),” said Schoonbee.
He highlighted that those who buy from Nico se Plaasprodukte are supporting local people.
“The main aim of this initiative is to give people the opportunity to buy local. This way residents can give back to the community,” he added.
Community projects
Furthermore, the farmer and volunteers initiated a soup kitchen, also on the corner Kingfisher and Constantia, on Wednesdays and Fridays.
“At the moment we’re feeding about 60 people out of our own pockets.”
He highlighted residents are welcome to volunteer at the soup kitchen or donate groceries.
“Moreover, we’re collecting coffee jars filled with half a cup of rice, soup mix, lentils, one unwrapped stock cube and a packet of soup powder to distribute among the needy. If you cook the ingredients in boiling water, you get a healthy sustainable meal. One jar can feed about four people,” he added.
All donations can be dropped off at 31 Kingfisher Avenue.
For more information, contact Schoonbee on 082 445 0020 or follow his page on Facebook, Nico se Plaasprodukte.
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