Hotel Hope takes in Mandela Day
MELVILLE – In such trying times, the donation received by the home reminded the orphanage of the true essence of ubuntu.
Although our current lockdown regulations do not allow for us all to gather, the recent celebration of Mandela Day still prompted many in our communities to give of themselves even while socially distant.
Oliver Quambusch, founder of Hotel Hope Ministries said,”[Instead of asking people to do their 67 minutes in person] we asked that all volunteering would be done remotely and we have seen some amazing outpouring of generosity.”
He added that among the many donations received was a donation of 67 portions of soup made by Rockets Parkhurst which was absolutely delicious.
Rockets owner, Sean Barber said they donated a chicken, potato and vegetable soup that had lots of flavour, and was very healthy. “Also easy to blend if the orphanage found it easier that way to give to the kids.”
Barber explained that for them the day was about giving back to those who need it most. “Nelson Mandela dedicated his life for the help of others, so if we can focus on that for at least a day, then we bring honour to his name, and bring a smile to those in need.”
It was important for them to donate because, as Barber put it, with all the heartache felt by the country considering the impact of Covid-19 and the riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, they wanted to do something good, and what better day to do it than on Mandela Day. The restaurant gave 67 litres of soup to Hotel Hope, but the day was in conjunction with an initiative by Afrika Tikkun, where they hoped to donate 67 000 litres of soup across the country. “Rockets was very proud to have facilitated the donation of 1 000 litres to help their cause,” he said.
Hotel Hope Ministries was fortunate enough to have received several donations from various community members. Quambusch shared that a family collected tinned food for the home and people spent 67 minutes decluttering their cupboards so they could donate pre-loved items to the homes various charities. “We received a few EFT payments in lieu of volunteering.”
The orphanage also put out a needs list prior to the day and people generously shopped online and had those goods delivered to the children’s homes. “This was all hugely needed and appreciated in these trying times, a big thank you from the 24 kids at Hotel Hope,” concluded Quambusch.
