Covid-19 won’t end spirit of ubuntu: Parks unite to help those in need
GREENSIDE – With help from volunteers, these parcels were then collected on the same day by a number of non-profit organisations.
Suburbs surrounding Pirates Sports Club vibrated with ubuntu as hundreds of residents donated food parcels for those in need.
The ethos of giving has always been in the character of the ‘Parks’: Greenside, Craighall, and the greater Joburg north’s leafy communities.
While the Covid-19 pandemic and the national lockdown may have forced physical separation, the magnetic pull of selfless philanthropy has united us once more.
Pirates facilitated the drop-off in partnership with Adventures With Love, where food parcels were donated by residents from the safety of their vehicles. With help from volunteers, these parcels were then collected on the same day by a number of non-profit organisations. For a full list visit the Pirates Club Facebook page.
SDI Force and Unity Values are involved to assist with Covid-19 compliance. SDI is also the main backers for an organisation called Wastpreneurs (an initiative aimed at uplifting the informal waste collectors that operate throughout Johannesburg). Many of the food parcels are donated to the collectors as they have not been able to work during lockdown.
“There are over 90 000 waste-pickers? Our first priority was to get them food,” explained Brad Fischer from SDI.
Read more about Wastepreneurs: WastePreneurs wins interdict to stay on at Pirates Club in Greenside
Their first collection on 23 April was a resounding success, with over 478 vehicles through their gates and over 1 000 parcels donated.
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette’s editor Ashtyn Mackenzie attended the second drop-off on 30 April where over 500 parcels were collected. Steve Hollis, a Pirates Club old boys’ member, is the brainchild. “We saw a need to help and, as a club, we brought in a committee to start the ball rolling.”
Together, they sought out the regulations that needed to be met and consulted with Parkview police, who offered their full support and information. They received a permit from the Department of Social Development to be a warehouse for donations.
“There has been an unbelievable response and we thank the greater community for their generosity,” said Hollis.
Donations of sanitiser are needed for volunteers as well as for the parcels. Future dates for donations will be evaluated on a need basis.
@TheAshleyHayden encourages the community to visit @piratesrugga to donate needed items for our fellow citizens.. they will be here until 1pm- No need to leave your vehicle @RK_Gazette pic.twitter.com/p1j5yCT6SQ
— Ashtyn Mackenzie (@AshtynMackenzie) April 30, 2020
Food parcels:
- 2.5kg mealie meal
- 1 bag potatoes
- 1 box soya mince
- Cabbage, tea bags, sugar
- Loaf of bread
- Peanut butter or jam (easy open)
- Fruit juice
- Toothpaste and soap
For more information: Non Welsford, 083 635 2813.
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