Fueling hope: Engen and Boksburg Advertiser team up to help the needy
Dozens in need received warm food and winter scarves thanks to a partnership aimed at spreading warmth beyond fuel pumps.
The Boksburg Advertiser teamed up with Engen Summersfield’s soup kitchen on June 19 to distribute scarves donated through the publication’s Winter Wool Project.
One of the owners of the service station, Tashvir Mandraj, explained that the family-run business hosts a soup kitchen for the underprivileged every Thursday.
“We try to assist the community where we can,” he said.
When asked what prompted the business to begin the initiative a few years ago, Mandraj responded: “Times are tough in South Africa. We are seeing more and more people losing their jobs. People are begging for help on street corners, even sleeping on the streets.”
Mandraj said they feel deeply for the plight of others.
“We’re a business that doesn’t only care about ourselves, but also about the community and the people around us. So we help by feeding them soup and bread — and in the summer, polony and bread. We try to help where we can as business owners and as leaders in the East Rand.”
Over 30 people received a warm cup of soup, a bread roll, and scarves that were generously donated to the Advertiser by an anonymous donor on June 19.
Beneficiaries grateful
One of the beneficiaries, 30-year-old Stefan Jacobs, is unemployed and homeless despite being a qualified accountant.
“Thank you to everybody who was involved in this initiative. The soup, bread, and scarves will help a lot, especially in this weather,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Bethuel Malinge, shared that he once lived a “nice life” before losing his job a few years ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I was a general worker but was retrenched. I lost everything. I tell myself to be patient. I’m now trying — looking for a job and doing piece jobs. This life is like a test, and God is watching us. At the end of the day, everything will be alright.”
He expressed sincere gratitude for the food and scarves.
About the winter wool drive
The Boksburg Advertiser’s wool drive, running from May 1 to July 3, collects wool donations of all kinds – new, old, or leftover – as well as completed knitted items such as scarves, beanies, and blankets. These are distributed to local individuals and groups who use their crafting talents to help those less fortunate stay warm during the cold months.
Project coordinator Elize Kluyts, advertising manager at the Advertiser, encourages the community to get involved.
Drop your wool or knitted items off here:
• Caxton Local Media, 20 Sydney Road, Ravenswood.
• Med-Leigh Pharmacy, The Square Shopping Centre, Rietfontein Road.
• Vellie Boutique, corner 6th Street and Rietfontein Road.
• Eyeland Optometrist, Shop 17E, East Rand Mall.
• Absolute Batteries, 86 Rietfontein Road.
• The Doggy Parlour, 178 Kingfisher Avenue.
• Heckers Garden Centre, North Rand Road.
For more information, contact Elize on 010 971 3325 or elizek@caxton.co.za
Also Read: Keep on supporting our Winter Wool Project
Also Read: Winter Wool Project benefits
