ICYMI: Saigon Suzy supports women in need
FOURWAYS – A local restaurant has provided over 4 000 meals for residents in need in Kya Sands.
Fourways-based restaurant Saigon Suzy invites community members to support them as they reach out to feed 40 families in need in the Kya Sands informal settlement.
Owner of Saigon Suzy, Bruce Beattie, explained how he came to be involved in the project. “We were lucky enough to be chosen by Eat Out to receive some relief funding as part of an initiative in response to Covid-19. It was enough money to get a few staff back to work and earning money while helping a good cause. From there we sourced food from Nosh Food Rescue and ultimately joined Chefs with Compassion,” said Beattie.
Chefs with Compassion was born in early April when Nosh Food Rescue collaborated with Thava Indian Restaurant in Norwood to turn surplus rescued produce that would otherwise have gone to waste into flavoursome, nutritious meals for communities in need.
The movement has since expanded to incorporate five local and global organisations, backed by over 300 chefs, restaurant owners and volunteers.Saigon Suzy works with the Rare Bear Foundation, a charity that gives resources and training to poor communities. Women from the Foundation learn skills including crochet in order to make soft toys for sales, which they in turn earn the proceeds from.
“During lockdown, the 40 ladies were unable to earn and had no way of putting food on the table for their 180 dependants,” said Beattie.
Saigon Suzy has helped them with 4 800 meals so far.”We have a ‘big picture’ mentality on this one. We have to put the health and safety of our community first, no matter how challenging the future looks.”
Beattie praised the work of the women in Kya Sands and expressed their desperate need for support from the local community in order to feed their families.He encourages residents to support Saigon Suzy by ordering from them during lockdown.
“The more business we get means we can continue bringing our staff in to work. They need the help just as much. My entire team has been incredible, they are sharing what little money we make equally.”
