A Whatsapp discussion amongst a few Uitenhage residents to bring relief to the underprivileged in their communities during the Covid-19 lockdown period had a far-reaching positive effect, with the support of various others who joined the HELP Community Outreach Initiative.
The initial discussion to help those in need was amongst Ghauderen Coetzee, Georgen Miggels, Ricardo Armoed, Recardo October, Virginia Phillips, David James Goliath and Natasha van Heerden.
“In our community there are many people with no income who also do not qualify for social grants. Now, under the lockdown period, they have no meal plan,” said Natasha van Heerden.
“We noticed that the police were handing out food parcels. We contacted them to offer our assistance by raising funds and securing more food parcels so that more people can be served. The initiative was posted on our individual Facebook profiles.”
Van Heerden and Coetzee contacted their Uitenhage High School Class of ‘94 group, who started the fundraising off at R1 000.
“We raised just over R6 000. The owner of Savalot Stores, Hemant Nathoo, apart from sponsoring as well, also assisted with the packaging. Roselane Congregational Church sponsored cans of bully beef and baked beans, whilst Patrick and Shuling Lindoor sponsored nine parcels.”
According to Van Heerden the money was handed to Nathoo at Savalot Stores last Thursday. The Kamesh police assisted with the delivering of the parcels with the help of Captain Granville Sepkit. To date a total of 70 food parcels have been delivered.
“We are very grateful for all the sponsors. We also are humbled and thankful to be able to lend a helping hand to the destitute in these uncertain times.
“We are not registered as an NPO. This is merely a community outreach initiative in a time of an international disaster. The initiative was placed on our individual Facebook profiles,” said Van Heerden.
- Those wishing to support his initiave are most welcome. An e-wallet transfer can be done to one of the intiative’s members, Recardo October at 071 872 1645.
