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Youth Desk and Lifeline feed 200 in Norwood

On June 17, in celebration of Youth Day and Youth Month, the Norwood Police Station became a hub of generosity and community support as the Youth Desk and Lifeline organised a highly successful feeding scheme.

In celebration of Youth Month, a feeding scheme was held at the Norwood Police Station.
The initiative was organised by the Youth Desk in collaboration with Lifeline which served nutritious meals to about 200 community members.

Tlotlo Monyuku, Tamara Barnwell, Ntlantla Ziswana, Elias Mamabolo, Bianca Ndlovu, Pastor Williams, Sergeant MaMabolo and Doreen Moagi. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

The event’s menu featured rice, chicken stew, coleslaw, spinach, and butternut, served with refreshing juice. Volunteers cooked and served these meals to ensure that every attendee was well-fed and content.

Nontlantla Ziswana, xx and Elias Mamabolo. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

“The community was receptive and satisfied,” noted Elias Mamabolo, the chairperson of the Youth Desk. “Many even asked for and received seconds, which was proof of the quality and warmth of the meals served.”

Julia Moneli. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the initiative. Yanda Mpondombini said, “We have a good relationship with the volunteers and we do appreciate their food.”

Volunteers dish out meals for all the beneficiaries. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Key sponsors for the feeding scheme included Zulzi, Find Your Dream Foundation, Lifeline, Community Police Forum (CPF), police, and the DIA. Local stakeholders and organisations such as Norwood Paterson Park, Norwood Masters Football Team, Mosale Embroidery and Fashion Designs, Oboy Entertainment, and Fab.Fit.Fun Health and Fitness Club also contributed.

Despite facing the challenge of an unexpectedly large turnout, which required quick adjustments, the event ran smoothly. The volunteers, 12 in total, managed cooking, dishing, and distribution with care and respect for all attendees.

Ernest Leshoro is one of the beneficiaries of the feeding scheme. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Another beneficiary Danny Jeppe, remarked, “I think it’s great. It needs to happen, there are a lot of hungry people. So I think it’s a great initiative.” Lebogang Hlongwande echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think it’s a nice thing. They should continue doing it.”

Jodie Fonseca and Cleo Beyers, beneficiaries of the feeding scheme. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

“Safety and hygiene were our top priorities,” said Mamabolo. “We ensured that all surfaces and appliances were clean, and no pork was served – only chicken, to accommodate dietary preferences.”

Beneficiaries wait in line to receive their meals. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

The Youth Desk plans to expand its reach, aiming to feed more people and donate food and toiletry supplies. Community members are encouraged to support them by volunteering, donating, attending events, and spreading awareness about youth issues. Through these efforts, the Youth Desk continues to make a positive impact, fostering a supportive environment for the youth and the community.

Lebogang Hlongwane and Danny Jeppe wait for the meals to be served. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

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