Benonian dares to make a difference

Dare to Love, a non-profit organisation based in Pretoria, assists communities all over South Africa.

Padi Abendroth, a Benoni resident, volunteers at this NPO and wishes they had a branch in the East Rand because she believes the need for assistance is great here.

“I have always enjoyed the interaction with the people on the streets and at orphanages in Pretoria.

“It is for that reason I believe that Dare to Love needs to venture into the East Rand as the need for assistance is great and there are Good Samaritans in Benoni who want to help their fellow neighbours,” she said.

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The NPO has been very busy this year, showing love wherever it was needed, Padi said.

In June, three volunteers from Dare to Love ventured into Mogoba Extension 37, in Daveyton, with food parcels made up of 50 x 10kg bags of potatoes, 50 x 5kg bags of maize meal and eggs.

“The potatoes were donated by a farmer in the Free State and the maize and eggs were also donated for our first drop off by an amazing community member from Mogoba, Christina Malatjie,” Padi explained.

“Christina and another resident, Colin Mhluli, were instrumental in liaising with the community and compiling a list of 50 names with relevant contact details so we could coordinate the drop offs.

“We had the honour of meeting Christina and Colin in person for the very first time as well as the 50 community members who were eagerly awaiting food.

“Christina ensured social distancing and Covid-19 protocols were adhered to with the wearing of masks and sanitising our hands at all times.”

In August, Dare to Love honoured the nursing staff at Kloof Hospital, in Pretoria, and went to an orphanage in Shoshanguve to hand out shoes and spend the morning playing games with the children and feeding them.

“There is a huge need for food, shoes, clothing and volunteers and Dare to Love is challenging us all to join the ‘servolution’ (a revolution sparked through serving),” Padi said.

Another food drop off was made in Mogoba Ext 37 in August.

“This time, we managed to get 50 bags of 10kg carrots, 80 bags of 12.5kgs maize meal and two boxes of sweet potatoes,” Padi said.

Christina, being a part of the Mogoba community, has also decided to start her own soup kitchen.

“She asked me if I could help find her a baking school as she wants to learn how to bake, so Dawn Tiplady and I are working on something to help upskill Christina.

“Another aspect of this relationship that has struck between Christina and Dare to Love is that we want to establish a Garden of Life where the community can grow their own vegetables, like what is being achieved in Pretoria and surrounds.

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“We did a Garden of Life in Marabastad shortly after the xenophobic attacks in August last year and it is incredible what we can achieve together with a little love and hard labour,” she said.

Christina’s soup kitchen is doing very well.

“Soon, I will be doing another maize drop off for Christina’s soup kitchen and I have received donations of plastic dishes, containers with lids, cups and plates from friends so that she can offer plated food to the children she feeds.

“Christina currently feeds close to 46 children who go to her home with their containers to receive a wholesome meal,” Padi concluded.

For more information on Dare to Love or to see how you can assist them, visit their Facebook page (daretolovesa) or email daretolovesa@gmail.com