Standing under the cover of dense fog, residents of Actonville and Barcelona in Daveyton started gathering at dawn’s first light on May 23, excited to receive blankets.

During its Holi Fest celebrations on March 1, the Shree Benoni Gujarati Hindu Seva Samaj issued a challenge to its devotees to collect 1 008 blankets in aid of some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

At a cost of R200, donors not only contributed to bringing warmth to families in Actonville and Daveyton, but their gesture made those in need feel valued and their plight recognised.

Partnering with Hope and Help Foundation, a Northmead-based organisation that distributes food parcels monthly, volunteers arrived en masse at the Shree Benoni Gujarati Hindu Seva Samaj Dining Hall, Soma Street, from 18:00 on May 22 to package 1 000 food hampers to accompany the blanket hand-overs.

“Currently in its sixth year, Hope and Help Foundation not only celebrated its milestone anniversary, but contributed to families having a healthy staple of food when the cold sets in,” said organiser, Pretesh Rama.

“The generosity and kindness have made a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbours.”
Rama explained that beneficiaries were identified and given a donation ticket in order to receive their share of the community’s kindness.

Also distributing their bounty at Pauline Davies Court, Denys Conradie Residentia, as well as the Chapelry of St Mary Magalene Church, beneficiaries happily expressed their gratitude.

“Everything is becoming more expensive,” said one Actonville mother, who wished to remain anonymous.

“No matter how carefully you budget or how many times you turn your pennies around, funds to buy wholesome vegetables or quality blankets never seem to be available.

“Looking at these food parcels, my mind is racing at all the possible dishes I will be able to prepare for my children. We will not be surviving on bread for a while.”

Watching as children play nearby, an elderly woman sits on the steps outside the Chapelry of St Mary Magdalene Church, clutching her beneficiary ticket, patiently waiting her turn to receive her share of kindness.

“It is beautiful to know that people collected all of this to help us,” she said.

“When you are living in poverty, it is easy to be consumed with feelings of inadequacy.

“Today I don’t feel like an old woman who cannot make ends meet; I feel like a valued member of the Actonville community. I feel loved.”

Rama thanked those who selflessly gave, making the drive a resounding success.

“To some it may only be a blanket, but we spread more than warmth,” he said.

“We acknowledged our neighbours’ hardships and extended a helping hand.”

ALSO READ: Actonville woman shares her life journey

ALSO READ: Actonville project benefits community