The two informal settlements in Lansdowne, Flamingo and Little Paradise, benefited from the Hygiene Drive of the Lansdowne Community Policing Forum (CPF) on Saturday 6 September.
The initiative, which formed part of the Women’s Month campaign, went beyond hygiene packs; the residents of the two communities received a meal, and party packets were handed out to the children, spreading joy alongside much-needed assistance.
“The initiative was brought forward by Sameera Hamid (spokesperson), Shanaaz Jattiem (treasurer) and Zuhair Moosa (CPF coordinator), and was fully supported by the exco, which worked tirelessly to make it a reality,” said Naz Mohidin Karodia, CPF chair.
Support came from across the community, with donations from neighbourhood watches, security companies, councillors, exco members and local businesses, like N&S Distributors, Wholesun Bread, Quality Bakery Lansdowne and Protea Silkscreen Printers.
“One of the highlights was the contribution from 11-year-old Tyler Thomas, one of the youngest members of the community, who donated items as part of his birthday wish. He donated toiletry packs, which was heartwarming to see.”
This initiative was further supported by Lansdowne police, sub-district CPF deputy chair Sandy Schuter, district Sgt Yolanda Murray and Mark Kleinschmidt, local councillor.
“This drive showed the true power of unity,” said Karodia. “Together we can bring real change to our community. The Lansdowne CPF looks forward to hosting many more events and initiatives that bring the community together and continue building a safer, stronger and more united Lansdowne.
“Looking ahead, we are planning further hygiene drives and feeding initiatives, along with safety awareness programmes and educational programmes for our community. We want to educate the community on their rights and what protocols to follow in different situations, and this will be done in partnership with our stakeholders and community.”
The Lansdowne CPF covered the broader Lansdowne area and surrounding communities, where we continue to face challenges such as gangsterism, substance abuse, unemployment and other social economic struggles that affect daily life, Karodia said.
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