Ivory Park’s soup kitchen

The restaurant runs a soup kitchen from their premises on 29 September Street where they feed schoolchildren.

“A lot of the people that come and have a cup of soup aren’t necessarily destitute,” said the founder of the restaurant, Rita Zwane.

“Some of them just do not have the time or are running late to prepare breakfast.”

She said they were inspired to start this winter drive initiative which is called Asibambane Ngezandla (Let’s hold hands) because they could tell there was a need. “A child’s background is especially evident during the winter months and we believe that all children need to be kept warm during these cold months,” she said. In conjunction with the soup kitchen, the establishment also collects clothes for some of the needier children.

Mrs South Africa contestant, Rebekah van Rooyen supports the initiative.

“Imbizo Shisanyama is one of the gold sponsors of my competitive journey, but my commitment extends beyond that. Being a supporter of their drive is very fulfilling as I believe that all children must be kept warm and their tummies full during winter,” she said.

The initiative was the brainchild of Patricia Chinake, human resources manager for the restaurant. “It has always been our founder’s dream to start something like this.”

She said they were helping to feed more than just children in need. “We even get taxi drivers who stop by just to get a warm cup of soup. In summer, we will serve juice with a light meal.”

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