While many spent Valentine’s Day wrapped in romance, one non-profit chose to redefine love in Alexandra.
Connect to Feed, an organisation built on six years of service, turned the Saturday into a day of community service at Good Hope Ikhayalethu (GHI) in East Bank.

For over a decade, GHI has been a lifeline for residents with little to no means, especially those leaving the nearby East Bank Clinic. Founder Duduzile Mnguni recalls how patients suffering with chronic illnesses would knock on her door, looking for food to take with their medicine. That need inspired her to open the centre, which she has sustained for years on nothing more than her pension grant.

Read more: Connect to Feed spreads love and happiness to children on Valentine’s Day

However, without funders, her resources often run thin. That’s why Connect to Feed’s donation drive was timely and impactful. “We cooked vegetable noodles, which are very healthy for the kids, and gave them lunch boxes. We also distributed 200 sets of stationery, lunch boxes, and some candies,” said Connect to Feed founder Upama Srivastava.

The donations brought smiles to a number of children, turning what would have been an ordinary Saturday into a day of joy. Connect to Feed lived up to its mission of spreading happiness.“Our goal, as a team, is to spread happiness as much as we can, and help those in need. Our goal is to help underprivileged children with the basics, so they can focus on educating themselves.”

Mnguni expressed gratitude to Connect to Feed, noting that they have been in desperate need of donations like that.

Also read: Alexs Sibambisene Foundation continues to feed those in need

Connect to Feed was established during the Covid-19 crisis, when Srivastava cooked meals at home and drove around distributing food packets. Sharing her efforts online attracted like-minded people to the NPO. Six years later, the organisation has grown to nearly 190 members, all sacrificing weekends to serve. “We collected the funds, and bought all the requirements that were needed to do today’s donation drive. [The volunteers] were all here in the morning. They left their families and came to serve the people.”

Director Sarika Parakh said their work has been rewarding. Years later, it is still the smiles they put on the faces of those who receive their donations that matter. “When we see the smiles on the kids’ faces, it is the biggest reward we get back.”

Connect to Feed not only fed the children; they offered Mnguni the support she so desperately needed to continue doing what she loves. “I like giving to people. Even at home, I give away food. God makes sure there’s always something to give.”

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