Emirates Lions roar for hope in Sandton

In the last four weeks, the weekly Sunday food parcel initiative has distributed over 1 000 parcels.

June 13, 2020

Chante' Ho Hip 1 minute read

Elton Jantjies and Tevor Nykane join forces for good. Photo: Chante' Ho Hip

The Emirates Lions Rugby team came together to give a little hope.

Together with the South African Rugby Legends Association (Sarla), Lions Rugby captain Elton Jantjies and his teammates shopped for essential food items and packed them into parcels for distribution at the SPAR at The Wedge Shopping Centre in Morningside on 7 June.

Marvin Orie and Reinhard Nothnagel look forward to sharing more hope with the community. *Photo: Supplied*

Jantjies was eager to get his teammates involved after joining in on Sarla president Gavin Varejes’s food parcel initiative every Sunday during the lockdown. “I was inspired by Gavin and Sarla’s commitment to helping those who have been the most affected during the Covid-19 lockdown period.” The parcels are set to be donated to a number of charitable organisations, including Fingertips of Africa, Ashraful Aid and the Christian Revival Church Charity.

Gavin Varejes, John Smit, Jannie du Plessis and Douglas Craigie-Stevenson are proud to see the volunteers join in. *Photo: Chante’ Ho Hip*

“It’s a privilege being reminded of what the rugby family is about in tough times,” said 2007 Rugby World Cup winning captain John Smit.” Seeing the younger generation take the baton and give of themselves when needed makes me proud to be a rugby player and proud of the work that rugby as a sport does for the community.”

Elton Jantjies and Trevor Nykane go shopping to fill up the food parcels. *Photo: Chante’ Ho Hip*

In the last four weeks, the weekly Sunday food parcel initiative has distributed over 1 000 parcels. “Times are tough during the lockdown, and we really hope that, through this initiative, we can make some small impact on the lives of people who are struggling,” said Varejes.

Trevor Nyakane joins in on packing the food parcels. *Photo: Chante’ Ho Hip*

And while there are not any rivalries currently taking place on the field, off the field Jantijies has decided to throw down a challenge to the Vodacom Blue Bulls. Through the #RugbyUnites challenge, the Lions captain would like to call on the boys in blue to embrace the challenge and spread hope to many more vulnerable communities.

“I challenge the Blue Bulls, Trevor Nyakane and Coach Jake White, to raise funds and beat our distribution of 1 000 food parcels in Gauteng,” said the Lions captain. Nyakane gladly accepted the challenge, adding that it is an amazing opportunity for anyone to get involved with. “We should all go out there and try to make a difference in people’s lives.”

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