Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s ongoing work empowers thousands
The work done by the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust has created countless opportunities for many in the Valley of 1 000 Hills.
“THANK you for not letting us starve” were among the first words uttered by the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s (HACT) clothing scheme beneficiary, Lindiwe Ngidi upon her emotional return to the organisation’s centre recently.
The 58-year-old gogo is one of more than 30 people who are currently completely reliant on the scheme, and whose lives have been turned upside down by the Covid-19 pandemic this year.
“When the president said we have to stay at home and I realised I wouldn’t be able to come to HACT for my weekly clothing collection, I cried and had sleepless nights,” explained Lindiwe. “My daughter is not working and I support her and my three grandchildren with the money I make from my clothing sales.”
Thankfully, Lindiwe and her family were among the first of HACT’s long-standing beneficiaries placed on the list to receive emergency food hampers back in early April.
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HACT’s clothing scheme coordinator, Thobheka Shangase, said, “Our clothing scheme generates R300 000 a year in income for our beneficiaries, enabling them to feed and clothe their children. Without the scheme, they had no money and so we knew we had to do what we could to help them through these difficult times.”
Lindiwe and her family are a few of more than 5 000 adults and 6 000 children who benefitted from HACT’s Covid-19 emergency food hampers since the organisation started distributing them seven months ago.
She is ecstatic that the scheme has finally re-started and is looking forward to being able to earn her own income again.
“To all those who have helped us, may God bless you all,” said a tearful Lindiwe. “I am speechless at the care and love we have received and that has kept us going these past months, we are never alone with HACT.”
Donations of good quality children’s and adults second-hand clothing for HACT’s clothing scheme can be dropped at the centre’s reception, 26 Old Main Road in Hillcrest, from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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