As communities across the Helderberg and the greater Western Cape grapples with severe weather conditions, Elizabeth Visagie, founder of the community initiative Love In Action, has focused her time and energy towards the betterment of the residents of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.
“People are enduring cold, hunger and escalating stress levels,” she said. “Their basic necessities such as adequate housing, warm clothing, and food remain unmet. Coupled with the current harsh weather conditions, the situation is dire.”
Responding to a recent appeal, the Somerset West community has rallied behind Love In Action, generously donating bedding, food, clothing, and kitchen essentials. Sheets and blankets are converted into sleeping bags, and a donated bed meant an 11-year-old girl could be reunited with her mother.
Despite these efforts, many still face empty stomachs and a cold night ahead, especially since the village suffered power outages since last week, as a result of the storm and collapsed power lines.
But Visagie remained steadfast. “God provides what we need; it’s already out there; we just need to find it through prayer.”
Her journey began following the devastating floods that rendered 46 families homeless, including two widowed sisters and their four young children, last September.
“Witnessing their plight, sharing a single mattress and blanket in temporary housing, I couldn’t stand idly by.”
In just two days, through community support, additional mattresses, bedding and essentials were secured, and donated items were transformed into makeshift kitchens and it was ensured families had the means to rebuild.
Today Visagie dedicates six days a week to Love In Action, empowering the community through various initiatives. These include a book exchange for those lacking proof of address to access the local library, promoting home vegetable gardens, and supporting street cooking programmes.
Maria Steyn (73) prepares sandwiches for high-school learners who don’t benefit from school-meal programmes, while four community soup kitchens receive gas and supplies to feed vulnerable residents, particularly children during school holidays.
“When we sow love, we reap an incredible harvest,” Visagie emphasised. “Through acts of kindness we can restore hope and empower Sir Lowry’s Pass residents to lead meaningful lives.”
If you wish to contribute, check your cupboards or garages for unused items, volunteer your skills or offer a donation, the organisation’s specific needs include:
- bedding – sheets, pillows, blankets and mattresses;
- winter clothing and shoes, especially winter school clothes (contact Visagie for sizes);
- food, both fresh and dry goods such as samp, maize, soup mix and stock and ready-made soups and bread;
- cooking utensils and plastic bowls or ice-cream containers with lids;
- curtains to insulate shacks;
- wood for cooking and warmth;
- fallen branches from the storm can be dropped off in the village instead of taking them to the dump; and
- gas bottles – gas has been sponsored, but four empty 9 kg bottles are needed
“We have the power to transform our community, one act of kindness at a time. Together, we can achieve this.”
- For more on Love In Action or to donate, contact Visagie via WhatsApp, on 079 275 7055.
