A decade of caring
Over 2 100 families were fed at the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation South Africa’s Winter Relief Distribution event.
The Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation South Africa celebrated a decade of caring when they recently held their Winter Relief Distribution event at the Primrose Police Station.
Community members from the Makause, Delport and Marathon informal settlements gathered at the police station for the programme.
“Every year, we have the Winter Relief Distribution event at which we distribute two 20kg bags of rice, soup and shoes to families,” said the foundation’s deputy chairperson, Cecilia Cheng.
“We have been doing this for the past 10 years, having started in 2007.
“Our work with the communities doesn’t end with the distributions at this event – we work with these families and visit them on a regular basis throughout the year.
“We go to the different areas and train people how to look after their family members.
“We also educate them on ways to care for other community members, both young and old.
“It is important to give people skills.”
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Cheng said although the foundation has only been active in South Africa for 10 years, it has been in operation for 50 years.
“Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a NGO and NPO that was established in 1966,” said Cheng.
“We operate in 97 countries across the world.”
Since the inception of the foundation in South Africa, they have been working well and closely with the Primrose SAPS.
The Primrose SAPS acting station commander, Lt Col Mbhazima Maswanganyi, was present at the distribution.
“We welcome and appreciate this initiative,” said Maswanganyi.
“They are assisting us with solving the social problems which enables us to focus on the crime.
“Such initiatives bring positivity to the communities which results in community members caring for each other more.
“When there is positivity within a community, it becomes easier for us to police them.”
Maswanganyi said he hopes to have a long and fruitful relationship with the foundation.
“We really appreciate what they are doing and look forward to working with them,” said Maswanganyi.
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