JEFFREYS BAY – The non-profit organisation, SOS Project Jeffreys Bay, continues to support vulnerable members of the community, providing assistance to families in need while relying on the dedication of volunteers and donors to keep the initiative running.
The project started in 2002 as an offshoot of the Dutch Reformed Church with the aim of supporting the underprivileged, the poor, the sick and senior citizens in local communities.
Chairperson Wessel Vosloo said that over the years, the initiative has grown to serve people from all levels of society who require assistance.
He said that running a project of this magnitude comes with challenges, as participants come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and opinions.
However, faith and a shared commitment to helping others have helped unite those involved.
“The glue that keeps the members and volunteers together is their faith in the Lord and their willingness to use their hands, talents and abilities to become involved,” said Vosloo.
He added that the continued success of the project rests largely on the dedication of volunteers.
“The success of this project is therefore in the hands of the volunteers and the grace of God, which we experienced abundantly during the past year. We give honour to God alone,” said Vosloo.
The Dutch Reformed Church and the Baptist Church remain the project’s main sponsors, supported by individuals whose monthly donations enable the project to continue assisting poor and vulnerable communities in Jeffreys Bay.
“We would like to reiterate our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the generous contributions received over the past fiscal year,” said Vosloo.
He said that during the past financial year, volunteers were able to arrange a Christmas party for 70 children, including Christmas gifts, despite receiving little financial assistance from the project.
The project currently provides financial assistance to 44 families, while its soup kitchen serves fresh soup and bread to between 120 and 150 visitors weekly, with each serving being sufficient for three to four individuals.
Vosloo said that clothing supplied by the non-profit organisation, Lady Lighthouse, is also distributed on soup days.
He further said that support provided to beneficiaries remains subject to an ongoing process of re-evaluation. Despite the organisation’s great success this year, Vosloo said that they face several challenges, including an ageing volunteer base and rising food costs that place a strain on its financial resources.
He further said that the soup kitchen currently operates from the premises of the Uniting Reformed Church, where funding is needed to paint and upgrade the facilities.
Christian Women’s Ministries of the Uniting Reformed Church has also continued to work hand in hand with the organisation to cook the soup.
Unfortunately, Vosloo said that efforts to reopen an additional soup kitchen were also unsuccessful.
He said that they also hope to provide soup twice per week, but this has not been possible due to insufficient funds.
“Looking ahead, the organisation hopes to attract more volunteers, strengthen relationships within the community, streamline services, secure new donors and work more closely with other similar organisations and NPOs in the area,” said Vosloo.
“We also hope and pray that more businesses will come on board to assist our soup kitchen with gas.”
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