Shandapal Foundation is serving up soup for the Rabie Ridge community’s soul

Shandapal Foundation will be spreading the love and warmth at a soup kitchen in Rabie Ridge Park on 14 July.

The foundation mainly focuses on the empowerment of girls, especially in Rabie Ridge. Its founder, Anthea Petersen, said she was organising a second soup kitchen to instil values of respect, sharing and humanity among the young people of Rabie Ridge.

She added that one of the fondest memories she had of her childhood was going to a soup kitchen held by a local woman she knew as aunt Koekie.

“It wasn’t about being underprivileged or about welfare,” she said.

“That cup of soup was soothing, it felt like love and it was a special place where myself and friends would meet and have a good laugh. That is one of the things I cherished growing up among the ‘variety shows’ that became our social lives and being proud of where we come from as a community. We were proud of our school, our community and respected elders. I want to instil these values into our community once more,” she said.

The foundation held its first soup kitchen last year where it fed more than 400 people from Rabie Ridge. Petersen said she had also selected a number of young women from the area to be involved in the foundation and become its ambassadors.

“I believe given the help and getting involved in the foundation, they too can be proud of who they are and be examples for those yet to come. If they can get the inspiration and drive to make better choices they can change their lives, improve and restore our community.”

Those who wish to contribute may contact Anthea Petersen at antheapeter@hotmail.com

What community projects are taking place in your area to help the needy this winter? Tweet us @MidrandReporter