KOUGA – A rapid response by local community outreach initiative Shepherd’s Table helped provide food and essential support to approximately 150 vulnerable people as severe weather conditions affected many families in the Kouga region.
Recently, the volunteer-run organisation launched an emergency appeal after forecasts indicated severe weather was approaching, raising concerns about the wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness and families struggling to stay warm.
On 2 June, residents of the Kouga and Kou-Kamma regions were urged to prepare for severe weather after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) upgraded its warning from a Level 5 to a Level 8 warning for disruptive rain expected from 3 to 4 June.
According to the Shepherd’s Table Founder and Coordinator Abigail Engelbrecht, the organisation acted immediately once the forecast became clear.
“The severe weather forecast raised immediate concerns for people sleeping in rough conditions and families struggling to stay warm. Once we saw the forecast, we knew we had to act quickly. We immediately reached out to the public and local businesses for support so that we could provide hot meals, blankets, warm clothing and other essentials before conditions worsened,” said Engelbrecht.
On 5 June, the outreach team served approximately 150 people. Engelbrecht said that the meal consisted of pap and sauce with wors, accompanied by a piece of fruit for each recipient.
Elaborating further on the organisation’s work, she said that it focuses its efforts on reaching vulnerable individuals and families in areas where homelessness and food insecurity are most visible within the community.
Engelbrecht said that Shepherd’s Table is dedicated to assisting individuals and families facing hardship.
She said that the initiative, run entirely by volunteers, provides food, practical support and hope to those experiencing homelessness, poverty and difficult circumstances through regular soup runs, food distribution and the collection of essential items such as blankets and warm clothing for people in Kouga.
Engelbrecht emphasised that support beyond food is particularly important during winter.
“Non-food support is critical during winter and severe weather conditions. While a hot meal helps ease hunger, a warm blanket, jacket, or jersey can provide protection from the cold throughout the night. For those sleeping outdoors, these items offer comfort, dignity, and a sense of being cared for. Something as simple as a blanket can make a significant difference to a person’s health and wellbeing during a storm,” said Engelbrecht.
The organisation is currently appealing for donations of non-perishable food, soup ingredients, bread, blankets, jackets, jerseys, gloves, beanies, socks and supplies for hot drinks, including coffee, tea, sugar and long-life milk.
Despite serving a significant number of people during the storm, Engelbrecht said the response to the emergency appeal had been lower than anticipated.
“The response has been lower than we had hoped, and much of the outreach was made possible through our own efforts and determination to ensure that vulnerable members of our community did not go hungry during the storm. Despite the challenges, we were still able to provide a warm meal to approximately 150 people,” said Engelbrecht.
However, she expressed gratitude to businesses that helped make the outreach possible, such as Beesland Slaghuis, which supplied the meat at an exceptional discount, and Food Lover’s Market for their generous discount on vegetables.
“Their kindness and support played a significant role in making this outreach possible,” said Engelbrecht.
The organisation currently operates with a team of four volunteers: Abigail Engelbrecht, Neels Engelbrecht, Ulrich Smith and Megan Smal.
According to Engelbrecht, extensive planning is required for each outreach effort, including sourcing donations, purchasing supplies when necessary, preparing and cooking food, packing meals, coordinating transport and distributing food and essential items.
She stressed that the recent outreach was not a once-off initiative.
“This is not a once-off effort. Shepherd’s Table conducts regular outreach programmes throughout the year, with increased activity during the colder months and periods of severe weather. The need for food assistance, blankets, clothing, and necessities continues long after a single event, making ongoing community support essential,” said Engelbrecht.
She also thanked the additional young volunteers who assisted with packing fruit for the outreach.
“They embraced the experience with enthusiasm, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others. They loved being part of something positive and experienced firsthand the reward that comes from serving those in need,” said Engelbrecht.
She added that Shepherd’s Table’s work extends beyond providing food.
“Our mission goes beyond providing meals. We strive to restore dignity, offer hope, and remind people that they have not been forgotten,” said Engelbrecht.
“We encourage anyone who would like to volunteer, donate, or partner with us to reach out. Together, we can continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable members of our community.”
Community members wishing to assist can contact Shepherd’s Table through its social media platforms or arrange collection and drop-off of donations directly with the organisation by calling 066 559 2446.
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