S.H.F.P aims to feed as many who are in need
Founder of Sharlenes Heart For People, a feeding scheme in Eldorado Park provides breakfast and lunch during the week for those who are in need of food in the community.
Sharlenes Heart For People (S.H.F.P) started on November 27 last year with a clothing drive, now the organisation runs a feeding scheme that caters to over 150 people during their feeding days.
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Founder, Sharlene Abels recalls her first clothing drive which took place in Kliptown where she distributed clothing to over 100 people; “we went there with boxes of clothes but no food, no snacks, and it was raining on that day. The kids were so excited, they couldn’t thank me enough. Adults came and shopped as well and it all felt so good to be giving back to the community until this little boy approached me and asked ‘Aunty don’t you please have a pair of shoes for me.’”
Abels continued to explain that the boy was wearing socks with big holes and when she looked at the shoe section, there wasn’t a size for him. She shared that she was heartbroken but promised the boy that she’ll be back for him. She returned to the same spot on December 16 where she hosted a big charity event and handed the little boy two pairs of sneakers.
Abels then started her feeding scheme last month and has said that she is in the process of registering it as a non-profit organisation.
Abels also acknowledged her team who assists her; David Visser, Jocelyn Petersen, Loudie Groep, Carol Garnie, Erica Garnie, Sandra Andrews, Cheslynne van Schalwyk, Finley Watson, Jacky Pretourious, Patricia Lawrence, Thembi Solomons, Vanessa Amazee, Tegha Amazee, and Mary Chetty.
“We provide breakfast every morning at 7am, we serve soft porridge and Jungle Oats Monday to Friday and a warm lunch meal at 4pm on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Our aim is to feed as many people as possible as well as provide clothing to them,” added Abels.
The organisation is based in Eldorado Park, extension 1 at 41 Hurricane Street.
When it comes to the biggest challenges that Abels has experienced, she explained that the challenges have been with finding sponsors to support her dream.
She shared that she has learnt to pray through everything and has since gotten a weekly sponsor of juice from a lady and vegetables from NPO; Giving With A Purpose. Loadshedding and power outages have also been a big challenge as S.H.F.P does not have gas stoves so whenever the electricity is off, they are not able to cook.
On February 11, S.H.F.P hosted a big charity drive where they gave out; shoes, clothes, party packs, books, and a meal to all who attended. Different organisations from the community were also present to support the charity event.
If you would like to find out more about S.H.F.P or how you can assist, you can follow Sharlene Abels on Facebook or you can contact her on 067 736 2293.
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