Linden community unites to jar food and care for children
The Linden community came together to protect the rights of children and fight hunger. Through a powerful initiative, the Linden CPF and Linden SAPS are uniting residents, NGOs, and local businesses to provide food and care for those in need.
The Linden Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Linden SAPS have initiated a community-driven project aimed at safeguarding the well-being of children in the Linden precinct.
Linden CPF chairperson, Annelize Tichauer, explained that this endeavor seeks to uphold the fundamental rights of children, particularly their right to be nurtured and have access to nourishment. “In response to the inherent kindness within the Linden precinct, the project offers a responsible and effective means for community members to make a meaningful impact.”
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She stated that planning for the Mandela Day project commenced several months ago, with active community involvement beginning in June, with filling soup jars with dry soup ingredients, effectively providing nourishing meals.
Residents were encouraged to visit partner stores, including SPAR’s in Blairgowrie and Blackheath, Pick n Pay Linden Lanes, The SoPurist (7th street Linden), and Westpack Express, Northcliff, to shop and drop off ingredients. “Bulk collection could also be arranged, and individuals were welcome to drop off clean plastic and glass jars (750-1000ml) at Linden SAPS. The decision to utilise soup jars for the project was inspired by the success of a previous initiative, where the community’s generosity has been the driving force,” said Tichauer.
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She emphasised that the outreach from the entire Linden precinct, encompassing 32 suburbs, was remarkable, with efforts made to engage as many residents as possible, encouraging their support and participation. “To ensure the success of the project, community members were urged to follow the Linden CPF on social media and stay informed through their Residents Association WhatsApp groups.”
The Linden SAPS was open on Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00–16:00, welcoming community members to join the initiative and contribute to the worthy cause. “With each jar filled, the community made a significant impact on the lives of those in need, underscoring the boundless nature of kindness in action.”
The project was inspired by the success of the previous 35 000 sarmie project. By expanding the initiative, and inviting community members to join packing stations at the Linden SAPS hall, participants could fill multiple jars with different layers of ingredients, enhancing the impact of their contributions.
She stated that the overwhelming response from the community was heartwarming. “The project did not set a specific jar target, instead relying on the generosity of donations received. Each additional jar received translates to an extra meal for those in need.”
Tichauer expressed that the outpouring of support has been truly remarkable, with 1 400 jars already filled .
For those not yet connected, reaching out to the CPF will ensure that they are included in the network. “Kindness knows no bounds, and with each jar that was filled, the community continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.”
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