The heroes behind the support group
“Some people insist on giving something back as a way of saying thank you but we just tell them to focus on getting better and then we can worry about that later.”
Greenstone resident Dilshaad Simjee was selected as the winner of the NEWS and West Pack Lifestyle July Hero of the Month competition.
Dilshaad was nominated by Talha Ashruf who described her as being phenomenal during the pandemic and the winter season.
Dilshaad and friends, Aamena Saloojee and Nazneen Sayed, started the Greenstone Muslim Community Covid Support Group that provides assistance and meals to households infected with the virus.
The friends, with the help of community members, deliver vitality packs to those infected with Covid-19.
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The packs include a booster cordial, a health powder made from ground herbs and spices, freshly made soup, vitamins and a heartfelt message.
Talha thanked the NEWS and West Pack for the campaign highlighting those helping others in the community.
He said those helping others are not always thanked for the work they do and it is important to do so.
Dilshaad, a working parent, said she was humbled to have been selected as the July winner.
Dilshaad said the project started last year when the friends came together and thought about how they could assist those in need while the country was going through a vulnerable time.
The group gained traction during SA’s second Covid-19 wave of infections when the area saw an increase in the number of infected cases.
It caters for those living in the Greenstone Hill, Modderfontein and Edenvale areas.
“We came together and spoke about various ideas and how us ladies could use our energy to help people instead of focussing on the negative,” said Dilshaad.
Nazneen said the idea of providing vitality booster packs to those infected with Covid-19 seemed the perfect way to help those in need.
“Greenstone is a relatively young community, a lot of the residents have moved here from other provinces and may not have a support structure to rely on when they are ill so we wanted to try to fill that gap,” explained Aamena.
The friends said while formulating the support group they researched natural remedies, which would aid the recovery of those infected with Covid-19.
Dilshaad said the reason the group focuses on freshly prepared soups is that that is what most people who are ill tend to want to eat.
Nazneen said the way the support group works is that once a household is infected with Covid-19, someone from the household requests assistance from the support group via WhatsApp.
Once communication is established, the household notifies the group of the number of occupants living there and any dietary requirements and the address.
Once the group has all the information, they prepare the packs so they can be delivered as soon as possible.
Nazneen said the support group needs orders to be placed before 15:00 so orders can be delivered after 17:00.
However, the group does understand that some individuals may only get their Covid-19 test results after 15:00.
All of the orders are prepared from scratch by friends who are parents and full-time working professionals.
Everything provided by the group is done so free of charge with most of the expenses coming out of Dilshaad’s, Nazneen’s and Aamena’s own pockets.
The friends said the response they have received from the community has been very positive.
“The recipients are very grateful and we have received such good feedback from people we have assisted,” said Aamena.
“Some people insist on giving something back as a way of saying thank you but we just tell them to focus on getting better and then we can worry about that later,” said Dilshaad.
Although the friends do cover most of the costs themselves, they have received donations of fresh ingredients and some monetary donations to cover costs.
“It is part of our belief and what’s instilled in us to support others and give back,” said Aamena.
She said, “the best people are those who are beneficial to others.”
Dilshaad said the support group hopes to continue helping others for as long as possible.
To communicate with the support group contact it strictly via WhatsApp contact Dilshaad on 081 786 0012, Nazneen on 083 786 4695 or Aamena on 060 505 6164.
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