Feeding scheme battling to stay open
Queen’s Soup Kitchen is reaching out for help to continue feeding over 2 000 people in need.
QUEENSBURGH-BASED Queen’s Soup Kitchen says they are in dire need of food donations as they struggle to keep their doors open. The soup kitchen, which runs as a registered non-profit organisation, started in 2019, and their goal is to feed the less fortunate.
Elsie Schoeman, who founded the non-profit organisation, says she feeds more than 2 000 people, and due to food scarcity and the sky-high food prices, she is unable to feed them every day and now only opens on Wednesdays and Sundays.
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“Lately, we can’t keep up with the demands for food as we are a self-funded NPO, and we only receive small quantities of food donations from generous donors,” said Schoeman. With Christmas around the corner, Schoeman hopes to make it a little special for the people she feeds. She is appealing for donations of toys, clothing for ages six months to 15 years, and toiletries.
With the number of people who rely on her to have a hearty meal, she is also appealing to the public for donations of rice, cooking oil, flour, potatoes, cabbages, carrots, tomatoes, salt and spices, beetroots and long-life milk.
“It is always heartbreaking when we have to measure the amount of food we have against the line because the food is never enough to feed everyone. I try to always make a point to include fresh fruits along with the food so they can also have a nutritious snack to accompany the meal. I run the kitchen out of love and appreciation for the people who walk through our doors. My reward is knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s life.
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“My biggest reward is seeing the beautiful smiles of the people who come to my kitchen and knowing that they appreciate my efforts at trying to make a difference in a world where everyone is just barely surviving with the expenses of life.”
If you are able to assist, please contact Elsie Schoeman on 060 751 9699 or email her at queenssoupkitchen@gmail.com.
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