Community spirit shines at Boksburg North ‘Vat en Krap’
What began as a two-month effort to collect donations turned into a massive community show of generosity.
Families in need were on the receiving end of Urban Ruins, Eastrand Helping Souls and Rysky Foundation’s joint Vat en Krap (Scratch and Take) community outreach initiative held in Boksburg North on August 22.
Following two months of planning and collecting preloved items, including clothes, household items and food, the event, which saw droves of residents lining up to receive assistance, was considered a success.
Organisers were overwhelmed by the response, with donations exceeding expectations. It filled four bakkies to the brim.
Behind the scenes, volunteers worked tirelessly preparing pasta for children and hearty meaty soup for adults
*Precious Kubase, a Boksburg North resident and beneficiary, said the assistance brought relief to her household.
“Sometimes you go to bed wondering how you will manage the next day, so receiving food and other essentials means more than people realise. I am truly grateful to everyone who donated and gave us a reason to feel supported by our own community,” said Kubase.
Bread, cake and fresh carrots were also handed out, along with clothing, blankets, household goods, toys, trinkets and other useful items.
Rysky Foundation CEO, Annamaria Lechki, thanked everyone who contributed.
“We appreciate the donations of both perishable and non-perishable items,” she said.
She added that children’s clothing and toys remained in great demand.
The large turnout of underprivileged residents, however, created an unexpected challenge.
*Louw Bason, another resident who benefited from the initiative, said the event reminded him that people still care about facing difficult times.
“It was not just about receiving food or clothing. It was knowing that someone cared enough to give what they had to help another person. Seeing the community come together as this gave me hope that we can look after one another,” said Bason.
Using tape around the vehicles to create a controlled distribution area, crowds eventually pushed through the barrier, rummaging for items which could bring comfort.
The founder of Eastrand Helping Souls, Tristan Hendriksz, said that the event lived up to its name.
“It was impressive to have four fully loaded bakkies,” he said.
“However, the crowd became very uncontrollable. Clothing went flying as people rushed forward to collect items, briefly giving the event’s name a literal meaning.”
Clayton Viljoen, Urban Ruins CEO, said the safety and security of the community remained a priority.
Viljoen said the event demonstrated the strength of local cooperation.
“We are incredibly proud of our community,” he said.
“Whenever there is a need, people continue to come forward and help.”
The organisations thanked everyone who donated, cooked, packed, transported goods or volunteered.
Special appreciation went to those who provided bakkies and trailers.
“Boksburg North is rife with the unemployed; this is one big community that is in need,” said Hendriksz.
The initiative’s message is clear: when a community gives together, fewer people face hardship alone.
Another Vat en Krap is planned at the end of September, while organisers secure a larger and safer venue.
Anyone interested in donating towards the initiative may contact Clayton Viljoen on 081 747 0833 or email cviljoen@ubranruins.co.za or Tristan Hendriksz on 060 825 1973.
*Indicates that a pseudonym was used.
