The Helderberg community united to support vulnerable residents of Sir Lowry’s Pass with generous donations from individuals, schools and local businesses on Mandela Day (Thursday 18 July).
Elizabeth Visagie, founder of the community initiative “Love In Action”, emphasised that every donation and act of kindness made a difference. “It’s not about how much you donate or how much time you give. Together, our efforts create a beautiful impact.”
Ahead of Mandela Day, Madelein Yacumakis and her sewing group in Heldervue crafted beanies, snoods and scarves, sourcing materials and funds from their neighbourhood. Many other businesses, communities and individuals came together in support.
These included Shoprite Checkers, which dispatched its mobile soup kitchen, families from Hendrik Louw Primary School who donated a carload of clothing, bedding, baby porridge, and baby food to Heartlands Baby Sanctuary, which was promptly distributed.
Gordon’s Bay Pick n Pay contributed 60 loaves of bread and five boxes of essential groceries and bedding. Last week these supplies helped feed nearly 800 people daily through various feeding programmes.
Regular volunteer André du Toit used his 67 minutes to deliver donations to feeding schemes in Rastakamp, Library Street, Riemvasmaak and to elderly residents of Zwelitsha.
The 40 employees of Miller Bosman Le Roux Attorneys spent their 67 minutes making sandwiches, which were delivered to Sir Lowry’s Pass in person.
The Johnson and Geyer families of Beaumont Primary School made sandwiches after school, distributing them to children and youth in the Pinetown area.
Needs ongoing
On Mandela Day, these generous donations meant tummies were full, and hearts and heads were warm because everyone came together to make a difference. “A heartfelt thank you to each person who made an impact by sharing and caring,” Visagie said.
However, the needs of this community are ongoing. Athi Ndwebi (23) from Rastakamp in Sir Lowry’s Pass, manages the Uyanda Academy and Daycare Centre, caring for 25 young children and feeding 300 to 400 vulnerable adults and children daily.
During recent storms Ndwebi pushed a wheelbarrow with food 3 km to an area isolated by a flooded river, ensuring hungry children received food, many of whom had not eaten for two days.
“Athi’s warm smile and unwavering commitment to his community is truly inspiring,” said Visagie. “The community recognises the sound of his whistle as a signal for a warm meal. Now, his greatest wish is for 50-litre heavy-bottomed pots. Alongside this, a long wooden spoon to stir the pap in his size 14 potjie every morning.”
Building on the community’s support, she is now focused on Women’s Day, planning a tea party for 200 underprivileged women from Sir Lowry’s Pass and surrounding areas.
“I want these women to feel loved, cared for, and empowered to lead meaningful lives. Many don’t have handbags, a basic item that many of us take for granted. I aim to gift each woman a handbag filled with treats such as hand cream, lip balm or chocolate, along with essentials such as sanitary pads and a toothbrush,” Visagie said.
“Let’s continue to care, share, and think of those less fortunate than we are; together we can transform our community.”
- If you wish to donate a new or gently-used handbag, gifts for filling them, decorations for the event or offer your time as a volunteer, contact Linda on 079 275 7055.
- For more information about Love In Action or to donate, contact Visagie via WhatsApp on 079 275 7055.
