Support pours in for Mariannridge feeding programme

MARIANNRIDGE resident, Trevor Ahmed understands the difficult situation many households face on daily basis, a reality that began before the Covid-19 outbreak.

Ahmed is well known in his community for his big heart and desire to always assist where he can.

“Hunger has become a sad consequence of the lockdown which was the reason I made an appeal on my Facebook page for people to donate what they can to assist to feed people who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Ahmed.

Ahmed’s initiative started on Saturday, 4 April. The underprivileged, elderly and those who are bedridden are mainly assisted.

“Everyday since Sunday, 5 April we have been providing people with meals. We started giving eight people meals last week Sunday from donations we received from kind-hearted residents in Mariannridge,” said Ahmed.

From the eight people, the number increased to 100 people on Monday, 6 April.

“Since then, we have been able and fortunate to provide hot meals to 300 people a day, with help from the ward councillor, Reginald Bouy Cloete,” he said.

On Easter Sunday, Ahmed and his team, joined forces with a feeding scheme from Wentworth called, Chow Time.

“We provided about 1 000 meals including Easter eggs and sanitary towels,” said Ahmed.

So far, Ahmed said AM Builders, a hardware store in Mariannhill, has been their biggest sponsor. “We have a number of individuals in our township who drop off groceries. One gentleman, Sahil Sahib, from Shallcross provided two large pots of briyani.

“Woolworths in Hillcrest gave us loaves of bread and Easter eggs (we were referred by Nella Renton) and a local spaza donated 10 loaves of bread. Residents from upper Highway have also offered assistance,” he said.

Ahmed said what has really touched him is the outpouring of help from some of the most impoverished people in the community. “Some with the bare essentials have donated what little they have. I have been inundated with calls and text messages from our residents in Mariannridge.

“I have never seen man’s humanity towards mankind on this scale. ID Ikes Roofing and Waterproofing has lent us one of their bakkies. The family of the late Salim Khan of Salz Panelbeaters has donated as well as some members of my family. We are thankful to everyone,” he said.

People who wish to assist can contact Ahmed on 073 666 1683 or email taxiorange7@gmail.com.

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