Westville women show sharing is caring

AS the reality of Covid-19 hits closer to home for many, a Westville resident was prompted to collect and distribute care packs to the less fortunate and the elderly who are fighting this disease while isolating at home.

Naadia Sheik-Hameed said she spends most of her time on social media and the message of condolence messages pouring in daily were ‘scary’.

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“While driving on the road, you always come across a hearse and this bothered me,” she said.

However, it was a video of a distant relative, which was shared on WhatsApp a group warning people to take this disease seriously, wear mask and wash their hands regularly, that touched her.

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“He was only 23 years old. He had no underlying disease, but still succumbed to Covid-19.”

The mother of three said there are many people who do not have the basic necessities and resources to try and fight this illness.

After sharing the post, Sheik-Hameed said she was overwhelmed with the generosity of people

“In the first nine days, we distributed to 25 families with about 80 to 90 infected people as in one family you find that there is more than one person infected.

Sheik-Hameed and her partner, Nazreen Isaacs are now in need of sponsorship, to keep up with the growing demand and are calling for people who are really in desperate need to reach out to them.

Their packs cost a minimum of R350 as their basic pack includes, chicken soup, Energade, Avonene Immune Boosters, Avonene Nasal spray, Himalaya Ginger Lozenges, Vicks 20g, Menthol Crystals, empty 500ml water bottles for ginger tea, fresh ginger or lemon, empty 500ml and 1 litre buckets, pure honey and taib mixture.

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“We have also received a donation of oximeters which will be distributed accordingly,” she said.

Isaacs said even though they do not have much, the little bit that they can donate and do for others makes them feel worthy.

Isaacs emphasised that people who reach out to them should be people in need. “They are required to send their test results and address.”

Sheik-Hameed said there are other NGOs who have come on board to help deliver in their areas as they will not be able to reach other areas. “We are very grateful for the generous support we have received thus far in such a short space of time.”

Drop off points:

Tiny Steps Nursery School
3 Dorsethire Road
Westville

Nails Etc.
16 a Avon Drive
Grayliegh
Westville

Natasha Aitken Hair Salon
The Village Market
Ground floor
Westville

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting

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