THE Blikkies Run, held by the Wings Motorcycle Club at the Zwartkops Rowing Club in Redhouse last weekend, collected more than 800 cans of food and other non-perishables in aid of charity.
Bikers and members of the public paid an entry fee of canned food to enter the venue, where close to 100 underprivileged kids from children’s homes were entertained.
Beneficiary of the tinned food, the POPS (People Opposing Poverty in Society) Foundation, said this initiative would enable them to support many more households this year.
Speaking at the event, Xenny Brown, spokesperson for the POPS Foundation, expressed his gratitude towards the biking fraternity for their contribution towards feeding the needy. He said he has witnessed over the years how bikers unselfishly open their hearts.
“These bikers have big hearts. The canned food that are collected at Blikkies Run every year help us to reach many impoverished households,” he added.
The POPS Foundation is volunteer-based and distribute more than 60 000 meals every month in Nelson Mandela Bay. The organisation is currently busy with its annual winter drive
The organisation is active in Motherwell, Zwide, Swartkops, Chatty extension, Bethelsdorp extension, Timothy Valley, Windvogel, Algoa Park, Helenvale, Gelvandale, Greenbushes, Lorraine, Korsten, Schauderville and Walmer Township.
“We support families, day care centres, children’s homes, the homeless and soup kitchens.
“This project will assist in bringing relief to the underprivileged families living in informal settlements and other impoverished communities,” said Brown.
In addition to meal distribution the organisation also reach out to the communities with blankets and warm clothes during their annual winter drive.
Ebrahiem Abrahams, Wings Motorcycle Club chairman, said the Blikkies Run, now in its fourth year, is gaining momentum.
“We would like to see even more bikers and members from the public support the initiative next year.
“The POPS Foundation does impeccable work in the community and if we can help save one family from starvation, it means our humble contribution has made an impact.”
The Swartkops Community Police Forum, the South African Police Services and Nelson Mandela Bay Fire Brigade were also present and informed the children about the work they carry out in the community.
Abrahams said in addition to the support they received from the police and fire department, small businesses and community members have this year contributed generously towards the cause.
“We were able to feed all the kids with breakfast, lunch, snacks and ice-cream and give each child a gift and party pack to take home.”
