The centre will offer prospects of an improved future to the destitute and despairing.
Through the kindness of a gaggle of volunteers, the centre aims to provide to those members of society who have been left behind.
The vision for the centre was birthed with Lorraine and Adam David.
“I had a dream that I should feed the hungry and I felt as if an anointing was on me. When I awoke I knew I had to do something,” said Lorraine.
One year later, with the assistance of many volunteers, the Bluff Hope Centre became a reality at a ceremony on Sunday, 4 December. Dr Fred and Nelly Roberts, founders of Durban Christian Centre were on hand to cut the ribbon and officially open the centre.
The centre’s slogan ‘Caring, sharing, transforming’ echoes through the building, from the kitchen, to the clothing centre and all around. The building, located within the bounds of the Bluff Eco Park was dilapidated with few facilities, but Shanil and Michelle Rajkossore of Bluff Tyres came on board and revamp it. Through the support of the Eco Park and the Bluff Tyres team, the building was functionally ready in April. A feeding scheme kicked off in August.
Since then, with the support of many other donors, it has been transformed into a welcoming space with all the amenities to clothe, feed, educate and assist those in need.
“We want to help the needy in the area. We want to change lives, but you can’t talk to a man about anything if he is hungry,” said Adam. This is why the centre has been feeding the homeless, who were invited to sit and enjoy a meal at the restaurant-style dining area. Now they are ready to do so much more.
“Not only will we be able to provide them with food, but we will clothe them too. They will also learn about personal grooming and be cleaned up at our salon. Then we will give them some clothes to take home and after that, we will help them with their CVs and skills guidance and do what we can to make them employable,” said David.
The entirely volunteer-based centre has already seen two success stories, with one woman going on to start her own business and a man finding permanent employment.
In September, the BHC provided a meal to a local orphanage that visited them. Gifts are also being collected to be handed over to children in an orphanage and Christmas hampers are being put together for the people who visit the centre. A Christmas party will also be hosted by the BHC for the destitute.
While the focus initially is on the Bluff, the team hopes to expand and they call on anyone willing to donate their time, money or services to get involved. Call Lorraine on 083-923-9196 or 031-467-6927 or email lorraine32113@gmail.com or macdonaldfelicity@gmail.com.
“Thank you to those who have come on-board already and offered what assistance they can. Their support touches our hearts,” said Lorraine.
“This is rewarding work and we hope to see a total transformation in people when they leave our centre,” she added.
