Laughter, smiles and gratitude formed part of the activities of local food-relief organisation Food for Life (FFL) Midrand and the Midrand Police Station for Mandela Day on July 18.
The event was co-ordinated by Constable Matome Tlamela, head of communication at the station, with the help of her dedicated team. The organisations that were served on the day were the elderly of St Monica’s Church, Cluny Farm and Cresset House. The Halfway House Elderly Association and the Midrand Senior Citizens Association also enjoyed a meal; while the children of Nokuphila Pre-School and Active Kids Pre-School were entertained and served hot dogs and juice.
Tlamela said commemorating the day by serving the elderly and children was just one way in which the police were giving back to the community. She reflected on Nelson Mandela’s words, ‘There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children, as well as its elderly’.
She thanked all the sponsors involved in the event, including the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce for assisting in co-ordinating the event, Spar, ADT Security, GloCell and Acorn IT Solutions.
“We would love to work with FFL Midrand again next year,” said Tlamela.
“The partnership is a great one and I believe that the healthy and nutritious food was enjoyed by all.”
FFL Midrand chairperson Vinesh Maharaj conveyed his appreciation to the sponsors and volunteers for the successful venture. He indicated that the event signified a commitment by all organisations involved to continue to help make South Africa a hunger-free country and to give back to the community.
Maharaj said, “Solely reliant on the generosity and goodwill of all our volunteers, we make an earnest appeal to any and everybody to join our [FFL] cause – this will no doubt bring us closer to achieving our goal of declaring Midrand a hunger-free zone.”
The organisation will continue with Mandela Day celebrations and will be serving its regular beneficiaries, the Tumelo Home for the mentally handicapped, the Thuthukani Centre and the New Jerusalem Children’s Home for the month of July.
Details: 083 792 6518; midrand@fflsa.org
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