Springs and Brakpan seniors honoured at Meals on Wheels year-end event
The Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted elderly and vulnerable residents for a warm meal as the organisation reflected on a challenging year of rising food costs.
Beneficiaries of Meals on Wheels, including individuals from Brakpan, were hosted for a year-end meal at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Petersfield Extension, Springs on November 27.
The organisation delivers meals weekly to elderly and vulnerable people. The day started with a church service led by pastor Nico Theunissen.
He said the day aimed to bring beneficiaries together to enjoy a meal. He also said that most elderly people live at home and are not visited by families, so the day is also aimed at making them feel special.
He added that the organisation prepares 3 500 meals per month, which are provided to beneficiaries in Brakpan and Springs.
With many people served, Theunissen shared that finances were one of the biggest challenges this year, as the organisation relies on donations.
“It has been difficult because food prices have spiked, and salaries are not keeping pace. We are not getting as many sponsors as before, so now we are looking at new avenues for sponsorships,” said the pastor.
He also said that they are looking at getting big companies to lend a helping hand to the organisation. He appealed to the community to also help, whether through donation of time or resources.
Theunissen expressed that with all the cooking done, more volunteers are needed in the kitchen, as they have two cooks.
“With some of our volunteers going on holidays, we would appreciate people who have time to come and spend time with us,” he said.
Nettie Henning (58) from Brakpan is one of the Meals on Wheels beneficiaries. She told the publication that the meals she receives for her and her husband have helped her save money for essential matters.
“The food we receive is well prepared, and we get quality food as well, so I can’t complain,” said Henning.
Henning, who has been receiving food for two years, said that she is also excited to see the organisation’s team when they deliver because they spend a bit of time finding out about their lives.
She also expressed gratitude to the organisation for always providing a meal for them and said that they should also carry on doing this for everyone who is in need.
