Kindness of strangers helps feed needy

Feeding over 1 300 people monthly is not an easy task yet this is what Drienie van Wyk, Vision of Hope Foundation (VoHF) Polokwane and Petro du Preez from Pieters­burg Helpgroep do, thanks to some very generous people.
Polokwane Observer recently accompanied Van Wyk and Du Preez on one of their food runs to find out exactly what is involved.
The day started at 07:00 and the first stop was at Platinum Superspar where several boxes and trolleys full of slightly damaged or redundant stock was waiting. This included bread, tinned food, meat and vegetables. Elsie Houston, one of the managers of Platinum Superspar, said the store tries to assist the needy wherever possible. “It is one small way in which we can give back to the community that supports us,” she said.
The next stop was at Pick n Pay Savannah where the process was repeated. Harry Makhubela, an assistant store manager, said it was better to donate the stock and know it would be put to good use, than just writing it off and destroying it.
At both stores the women sorted the donated goods into different boxes and carted them to their vehicles with very little assistance from anyone else. Car and trailer loaded to capacity, Polokwane Observer then accompanied Van Wyk on her rounds to hand out the food.
The first stop was at the home of a needy family living on a smallholding in Myngenoegen. The box of food was accepted thankfully.
The next stop was at Komarin Tehuis vir Bejaardes, also in Myngenoegen, where the impoverished pensioners were delighted to receive the donated food. Manager of the home, Luque Markgraaff said the donation would be put to good use. “We are always so grateful when Drienie stops here and starts unloading goods,” she said.
The next stop was at Tuiskoms Shelter on a smallholding in Leeuwkuil where residents were also delighted to receive what Van Wyk had to offer. Van Wyk’s food run rounds ended just after 14:00 and after being on her feet since 07:00, she returned home for a well-earned half hour rest before attending to the multitude of other tasks necessary to ensure the smooth running of Vision of Hope.
“We are so grateful for every little bit of food that is donated and always put it to good use. Anyone wishing to make a donation or assist in any way can contact me on 083 495 3959. No donation is too small,” Van Wyk said.

Story and photos: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za