Community Development Foundation International is an NPO aimed at changing lives for the better in five countries worldwide.

ALSO READ: NPO seeks transport assistance

Founded by Barlin Govender in 2000, the charity organisation has been running for 22 years and it has launched branches in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Johannesburg, Brazil. Mozambique and other countries.

Last year it helped Germiston resident Richard Mcquana, a disabled man, to get a new wheelchair. Mcquana lost both his legs after he was shot in a riot.

Govender was born and raised in Chatsworth, Durban. He took care of his family, neighbours and friends by providing essential goods and offered help to those who were in need.

“At the age of 17, I accepted God and my life changed. If I had not submitted to God I would have been a gangster,” said Govender.

“At 22 I embarked on a journey to form this organisation. Through donations, I was able to help people with food and essentials.

“The foundation has embarked on projects that reach millions of people around the world. We have delivered over a million meals in Ekurhuleni, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha).

“We are able to help with aid of local businesses and various stakeholders. We continue to supply communities with daily or weekly assistance, be it with food or clothes.

“The organisation is always in need of food, clothes, nappies and financial support. Our projects include a gardening project that aims to empower people and tackle the food security issues in our communities,” said Govender.

He said children are close to his heart and he would like to continue helping abandoned and underprivileged needy children.

The foundation also donated 15 000 shoebox size gifts to over 500 churches and NPOs in Ekurhuleni to mark Youth Month.

VWe are on a mission to help mothers and orphanages who cannot afford nappies and baby essentials,” said Govender.

“From March 1 we have distributed 10 000 nappies to needy homes with the help of Christian Family Church International Foundation.

“We are looking to build a community centre in Ramaphosa informal settlement and a library in one of their schools. We need to invest in the education of our youth,” he said.

He said they are in need of transport assistance.

“We ask that anyone who is willing to donate us a bakkie or cover our petrol fees to please call me on 084 659 8772 or email me at communitydevelopment@gmail.com.”