Local NGO needs Randburg’s help

With the onset of the lockdown, the majority of the Pipeline informal settlement community was not able to work or earn an income during the lockdown. The Planning and Development (PND) Centre for Homework and Study has partnered with organisations such as Rise Against Hunger, FoodForward SA and The Lunchbox Fund to hand out food packs to a total of 800 families in the community. The distribution programmes began when the country was on level 5, and some have continued to this day.

“We have handed out pamphlets to educate [the community] about Covid-19 and we continue to instil a culture of social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitising every time we distribute food parcels,” asserted project manager Judith Phiri.

In commemoration of Youth Day PND handed out food to the community at their centre located in the heart of the settlement on 16 June.

“We noticed how most of the people in the community were under-dressed for the rainy and cold weather – there was a man who came in flip-flops and a light jacket,” recalled Phiri.

Representatives of PND spoke to some community members who made their way to the centre on Youth Day. Attendees explained that they lacked warm clothing to guard against the winter chill. This discovery prompted the non-governmental organisation to initiate a clothing drive, to assist as many people as they could. The collection drive breathes life into clothes which have gathered dust at the back of wardrobes of Randburg residents.

“We are kindly asking for donations of any winter clothing or blankets to keep our community warm. We want to thank those who have already donated so far and we invite more people to donate to this noble cause,” concluded Phiri.

Donations can be dropped off at the PND headquarters on Agnes Avenue.

Details: Judith Phiri 081 706 75 93; email: judith@pndprojects.co.za

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