WITH support from a local car dealership, Islamic Relief was able to distribute 25 emergency food hampers to families in Shallcross, Buffels Bosch, Northdene and the surrounding areas.
“Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation in March 2020 and has infected more than 1.5 million people in South Africa to date. The subsequent lockdowns, in response to the virus, has resulted in massive job losses which lead to deepening the lines of poverty among South Africans,” said Islamic Relief South Africa’s Imraan Akoojee.
Each one of the food hampers included tinned food, rice, sugar, biscuits, long life milk, bread, tea bags, soap, noodles, dried food, salt, oil and peanut butter. The organisation began food aid distribution at the beginning of the lockdown to assist vulnerable communities and help them endure as companies closed in accordance to government directives.
ALSO READ: The Kloof Project drives change
“The economy is slow to recover and families are still struggling to survive,” said Akooje.
Islamic Relief has pledged R185 million to Covid-19 relief efforts across the globe and, in South Africa, it has spent R11 million on emergency aid for households affected by the lockdown. The primary focus was to provide assistance to households of elderly occupants, single mothers and orphaned children.
The relief organisation was assisted by KIA Motors Pinetown.
To make a donation towards its ongoing work, visit www.islamic-relief.org.za/coronavirus-appeal/ or contact 0800 111 898.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
