Con Brio Cares partners with other organisations to feed the homeless and clean up Randburg
With the help of Doorway to Dignity, the Bryanfern Residents Association, and Northern Suburb Greenspaces, Con Brio Cares managed to feed 80 homeless people before setting out to collect litter and remove invasive plants from Ferndale Arboretum and its adjacent river.
Con Brio Cares, a local non-profit organisation, collaborated with Doorway to Dignity, the Bryanfern Residents Association, and Northern Suburb Greenspaces to make a significant impact in Randburg.
The initiative aimed to provide warm meals to homeless individuals and help clean the Ferndale Arboretum and the surrounding river area.
Read more: AFS rolls up sleeves for help clean up public spaces
The day kicked off with Con Brio volunteers teaming up with Doorway to Dignity to serve a hot meal to approximately 80 homeless people. Despite ongoing water shortages affecting the Ferndale area, the dedicated team ensured that every individual received a nutritional meal, consisting of lentils, rice, and bread.
“The provision of hot drinks proved challenging due to the water situation, but our volunteers were relentless in their mission to serve. Every meal handed out that day was a reminder of our commitment to supporting our community’s most vulnerable members,” said Elindi van den Heever, founder of Con Brio Cares.
The event didn’t stop at feeding the homeless. It extended into a much-needed environmental cleanup. Volunteers from Con Brio Cares, in conjunction with Bryanfern Residents Association and Northern Suburb Greenspaces, came together to tackle litter collection, invasive plant species removal, and hazard identification in the Ferndale Arboretum and its adjacent river.
Also read: Community members clean up Rietfontein Nature Reserve
“This was a fantastic example of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. Not only were we able to provide a much-needed meal to the homeless in Randburg but we also contributed to the upkeep and health of our local environment. It was a day of compassion and collaboration, and we are proud to be part of such an inspiring effort.” Van den Heever remarked
Volunteers conducted water sample analyses to assess the river’s condition and pinpointed sewage and water leaks, prompting further action from local authorities.
Con Brio Cares remains dedicated to enhancing Fourways and the surrounding community, planning more initiatives that focus on both social welfare and environmental sustainability.
“As an organization, we have four branches of care: basic needs, environmental, education, and rare diseases. We are proud to say that we’ve reached the community across all four branches in a short period, and it’s only thanks to the support of the community that we’ve been able to do so,” explained Van den Heever.
For those interested in getting involved with Con Brio Cares and future initiatives, Van den Heever invites everyone to reach out. “We welcome volunteers and supporters. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact.”
For more information, please contact Elindi van den Heever at hello@conbrio.org.za, or 061 535 9988.
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