Guides get stuck in to help the homeless
A total of 30 sleeping bags were made to bring comfort to the city’s homeless population.
Rolls of masking tape squeaked and newspaper crackled as members of the Benoni Blue Forest Girl Guides, Rynfield, Boksburg Girl Guides, family and friends joined hands to make sustainable sleeping bags for the city’s homeless, on June 7.
Taking their positions around trestle tables, 45 volunteers stuck, snipped and folded 30 sleeping bags, as part of the movement’s third annual collaboration with Heart Reach Ministries.
“There are currently 50 homeless persons living on the streets of Benoni,” said Dereck Prowling, founder of Heart Reach Ministries.
“When you are living on the streets, you are faced with the most severe conditions. The cold is always biting at your fingers, while rain threatens to drench your blankets, which is often your only form of comfort.
“These sleeping bags, made from durable plastic and newspaper have proven effective in offering insulation and heat. Due to its composition the bags carry no monetary value, therefore recipients hang on to it for its intended purpose and that is to stay warm and protected against the elements.”
Putting the sleeping bag to the test, Emma Coetzer (10), a Benoni Blue Forest Girl Guide member said she thinks that living on the streets must be incredibly scary.
“I am sure homeless people get bullied a lot,” she said.
“Maybe when they get these sleeping bags they will realise that there are people who care about them.”
Yonela Ndhlovu (9), a Boksburg Girl Guide member, marvelled at the comfort of the bag.
“It is really warm in there,” she said.
“I hope that when people see what kids can do for those in need, maybe they will be a little kinder too.”
Adult leader for Benoni Blue Forest Girl Guides Mandy Payze commended the Guides’ dedication in not only supporting the initiative but heeding the plight of those less-fortunate.
“This project has played a vital role in sensitising the girls to the needs of others,” said Payze.
“In making these sleeping bags they are not working towards an accolade or badge, they are truly putting their hearts and soul into the project, hoping to make a difference in the lives of strangers.”
Payze continued by saying that the importance of the day’s activities were cemented when a man, clutching a copy of the Benoni City Time’s What’s On column arrived at the Treefoil hall.
“The man had read that we would be making sleeping bags for the homeless and had walked from the top of Rynfield in the hopes of securing the comfort item,” said Payze.
“It was heartening to gift him with one of our newly assembled bags, knowing that he would be better protected against the impeding cold front.
“The girls were able to witness first-hand what impact their actions can have on a struggling human being.”
To join a local Girl Guide group, visit www.east.girlguidesgauteng.org.za or connect through social media platforms @ Girl Guides Gauteng East.
For more information regarding Heart Reach Ministries and its ongoing projects, visit the website at www.heartreach.org.za or follow them on Facebook.
ALSO READ: Guides celebrate a successful year
ALSO READ: Ministry makes sleeping bags for homeless
