The Parkhurst and surrounding Parks communities continue to extend a helping to the displaced people in the area.
According to Pastor Quentin Still from the Parkhurst Community Church, the Parks community (Parktown, Parkhurst, Parkview, Rosebank, Dunkeld, Craighall Park and Victory Park) has a large presence of displaced people particularly living along the Braamfontein Spruit.
He said that the church originally began collecting and handing out food hampers to the displaced people in the Parkhurst area as part of its Love Justice initiative.
“The lockdown had an impact on the community as a whole and as a church, we wanted to share our common humanity,” he said.
Love Justice evolved as the church reached out to various community associations and policing forums to get involved and the operation expanded.
Together with the associations and policing forums, the church was able to identify more people in need within the area as well as those who were willing to contribute by any means.
What initially began as the distribution of parcels has now reached many more members of the community in various ways.
Beginning 29 April, a member of the Parkhurst Community has volunteered to make soup which the church packages in yoghurt containers with bread to hand out to the community.
Still added that Impala Fruits and Flowers in Craighall Park also donated fruits and vegetables that it may not have been able to sell.
“The next step is to collaborate with businesses along 4th Avenue in Parkhurst,” he said.
As part of its other initiatives, the church has called on the community to donated face masks as well as any unwanted material such as table cloths, duvet covers and clothing.
Through a partnership with one of the doctors in the congregation who works at the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, the church is able to distribute surgical masks among the patients.
The material donated from the community is handed to a group of retired seamstresses in Diepsloot who make fabric face masks.
According to Still, this provides the group of women with employment so they have an income during this period.
“It’s not just about the church, we are trying to engage with the residents, community and business,” he said.
Anyone interest in donating food, a face mask or material can drop off the goods at 68 4th Avenue in Parkhurst or alternatively contact Quentin Still on 083 251 4547.
To make a monetary donation, visit the Parkhurst Community Church website.
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