Thank you for helping to fill hungry tummies, but more food is needed all over the city

Mother Theresa once said: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”

These words are never more true than now. If we all make just a small effort to help someone in need today and challenge another to do the same, we can make a difference.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a huge impact on the homeless sector in South Africa. Thousands of people remain isolated on the streets, with reduced support.

As a result, South African NPOs have come under unprecedented pressure.

The Ethembeni Children’s Haven is one of the local NPOs that is also feeling the strain during the lockdown.

“We are coping the best we know how and are doing well under circumstances. The problem is that we are surrounded by many informal settlements with a great need for food parcels, groceries and clothing. We have been trying to help with our own surplus to assist but the need is big, so if there is any company or group than can assist we would appreciate help for these plus minus 60 to 80 families surrounding the centre which we have identified. The mayor and the council and other business people and individuals have been of great assistance in the trialling time of the epidemic,” said Pastor Jeremiah Zulu, founder of Ethembeni Children’s Haven. 

If you would like to contribute, you are welcome to give Pastor Zulu a call at 072 356 1634 to arrange for a safe drop-off or collection.

The Solidarity Helping Hand is another NPO that is doing their best to feed families, especially during this difficult time. A large part of Solidarity Helping Hand’s work is focused on relieving the suffering of vulnerable people – children, the disabled and the elderly.

“The number of families who need help is growing by the day,” said Melissa Nel from Solidarity Helping Hand, Mpumalanga.

If you can assist them with any non-perishable food as well as vegetables and fruit it will be greatly appreciated.

You can arrange with Melissa for drop-off or collecting at 072 660 7345. If you would rather make a cash contribution it can be done at Solidariteit Helpende Hand, FNB, account number: 6231145503, branch code: 261550, reference: MPU01.

The Solidarity Helping Hand ‘Ons Winkel’ is currently closed, but if you would like to make any other donation other than food, you are welcome to give Melissa a call.

New Life Church is also busy with their Families in Need Project through the Dignity Store where donations can be made from where food will be distributed to those in need.

All you have to do to make a food or cash contribution is to go to www.nlchurchwitbank.co.za/help and follow the instructions.

The Witbank Muslim Jamaat invites the public to assist in extending its hand to help those who have no means of feeding their families during this time, with any amount of donations through their one bag maize meal distribution program.

One of the leaders of the program, Farouk Arbee said their thoughtful gesture was inspired by the lockdown to reach out to the poor of the poorest and hopes to raise at least R10 000.

The following are the details to make your donation: Witbank Muslim Jamaat, Standard Bank, account no: 030 017 491, branch code: 052 750, Ref: C.19 m.meal.

Feel free to contact any of The Witbank Muslim Jamaat leaders: Farouk Arbee: 082 786 4563, Hassan Osman: 082 452 3891 or Mubeen Khan: 079 515 0077.

Thank you to all of you out there who have already made contributions.

Another quote from Mother Theresa: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one.”

Let’s stand together during this difficult time and reach out to our city’s most vulnerable.