We originally thought it would only be during the lock down period but it's becoming evident that, with so many being laid off, the need to provide basic food parcels is going to be needed for a much longer period. The initiative was started by our Past President's, Robin Bath, 14 year old grandson, Jonathan, who resides in Canada. He decided that it was a good idea to assist those in need in South Africa and began raising funds by walking his dog, Amber, half a kilometre for every $10 donated. Jonathan has managed to raise R 22 480 and we have added a further R 15 370 in donations!
With the funds raised and donated, we currently provide 17 households with a relief pack every week on a Friday which collectively feeds about 120 people. These families have been hand-picked by Fani Mnisi of Kids Haven and Grace Mabelane of God Knows who work intimately and extensively in their communities. Our budget is around R 85 per pack so the total weekly spend is R 1 500. We have been very grateful to have enough funds to provide these packs for the past 20 weeks, and at present we have sufficient funds to go for another 7 weeks. We are hoping to raise sufficient funds to continue into January 2021 to see the families over the festive season.
Jonathan and his dog, Amber, are still walking!
The pack menus are varied depending on what is available and affordable. At present we are battling to source speckled/sugar beans and lentils which does create a challenge, but with our clubs resourcefulness we are able to source alternatives. We have been extremely blessed by many benefactors who have provided us with items of food and clothing, including Lego who donated their Learning Through Play with 6 brick packs with a booklet on how these can be used in an educational fun way. These were received with much excitement. We would especially like to thank The Vegetarium who have provided us with 3-4kg packs of fresh vegetables each week at a nominal cost.
Nelson Mandela Day
A big thank you to Pigments & Masterbatches for their generous Nelson Mandela Day donation! For the first time throughout our project we were able to include 1kg of fresh meat in the relief packs.
* All images were taken with permission