NPO pampers local homeless people
“We also offered and gave them haircuts and took them to a hotel where they bathed and helped freshen up and were given cosmetics,” explained Mathebula.
Caring for the homeless and destitute is the driving force behind the acts of Kempton Park’s Gary Mathebula.
ALSO READ: Annual WinterHope charity drive underway
Through his NPO, Street Salvation, Mathebula hosts monthly charity events in Kempton Park.
Mathebula explained that Street Salvation was established in 2017 as a creative and vibrant way for the youth to give back to the community.
“Our mission is to change the lives of the impoverished, homeless, youth and elderly by providing essential services to the community.
“Those that deal with disasters, pandemics, hunger, abuse, financial instability and housing displacement,” said Mathebula.
“We have expectations to go above and beyond to ensure that every living person has access to the resources they need in a time of hardship.
“Our programmes are implemented to reduce the impact of the issues that humanity and the environment face on a daily basis.
“Our vision is to fight hunger and poverty while creating jobs for those in need.
ALSO READ: Local poet is the voice of the homeless
“We want to create safe homes for all those in need and create a brotherhood to help support the fight against GBV.”
One of their monthly events was held at the open space at the corner of CR Swart Drive and Pretoria Road on Saturday.
The homeless people were treated to breakfast and lunch. They were also given clothing.
“We also gave them haircuts and took them to a hotel where they bathed and helped freshen up,” explained Mathebula.
“We have helped establish a small market for the needy to enable them to fend for themselves. We also have fun games and music to entertain the homeless and give them a fun day.”
ALSO READ: Soup kitchen hosted for the homeless of Kempton Park
When asked what motivated him to establish the organisation, Mathebula said; “It was always within me to help others, however, what really motivated me the most was seeing how neglected our homeless people are and how not many people care about them. I believe in second chances.
“I also want a way to mobilise the youngsters and teach them the art and importance of helping others because most of us have become so self-centred these days and don’t care about those in need. I want to mobilise the backbone of our country, which is the youth.”
The Kemptonian added that they collect food, clothing and some of the donations that they give away every month to the homeless and underprivileged during their events.
ALSO READ: Domus Academy gives back to the homeless in Kempton Park
“We also run a chisa nyama that we use to supplement our charity organisation at the same spot.
“We welcome and invite more youth to get involved through charity events to help those in need and build a better society.”
For more information contact Mathebula on 071 440 3623 or email jabugary2@gmail.com.
Also follow us on:
