Owing to a high demand for food from the Oceanview under-privileged, the JBay Animal Rescue Sanctuary, with the support of various donors, has established a Friday Soup Kitchen every Friday from 12:00 to 14:00.
Cindy Muller, the manager of the sanctuary, which is located in the heart of Oceanview, said that for some time she has had many hungry children and adults visiting and asking for food for their animals, and food for themselves.
She said they have continued to offer food to animals, but realised they needed support to assist people as well.
Muller said Gordon and Ingrid Alick from Petite Sunbird Bakery in Jeffreys Bay were aware of the great need for food in the Oceanview community, and wanted to offer their assistance.
She said the two generously offered to sponsor the sanctuary with a weekly soup kitchen.
“We are thankful for the establishment of a soup kitchen at our animal rescue clinic which allows us to offer the less-fortunate a warm meal at least once a week,” said Muller.
She said that on June 14, when they first began offering meals to the community, at least 55 children and adults received a bowl of soup and a slice of bread.
Muller said the following week on June 21, they welcomed 40 people.
“To see little children so absolutely grateful for their little bowl of soup and a small piece of bread makes you think about some people who are fortunate enough to go to a restaurant, order something off the menu, and in some cases do not even eat what they have ordered,” said Muller.
“It breaks one’s heart to think that most of the children in Oceanview have never been to a restaurant; instead they are very grateful for what they get. This makes one really stop and think about the situation.”
In addition to the sponsorships from the Alicks, they have also received assistance from Barend van den Berg from Sonvars Veg, and Latifa Begum from Corner Café in Jeffreys Bay.
The sanctuary has also received help from their chef, who is well-known in the community as “Mamma Orange”.
Muller further said they have many more people interested in offering their assistance, and they therefore hope to continue to host the Friday Soup Kitchen for as long as possible.
“It is really exciting that more people want to offer their assistance. We have been so blessed to be able to help the community with more than just their animals,” said Muller.
She further said they have many kind-hearted, caring people assisting them.
“If everyone stands together, we can do so much more as a community,” said Muller.
