Charity for homeless appeals for support for winter drive

WITH the winter season approaching, the El Gibbor Kitchen is appealing to the community for support as they continue to feed homeless people. The organisation is a registered non-profit company (NPC) that has been providing cooked meals for homeless people in the Pinetown area for the past four years. The organisation consists of a team of volunteers with their youngest being only nine years old.

Steph Amod, who is the founder of the organisation, said they are grateful for the support they are already receiving from the community, which plays a huge role in their work.

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“We feed the homeless three times a week in Pinetown. Our goal is to reconcile the homeless with their families. Our future plans are to help the guys become socially accepted again by upskilling them through short-term courses which will help them become self-sufficient and productive members of society.

“We have these amazing schools and organisations that assist us with sandwiches and/or donations whenever possible, but we definitely could use more help: Westville Boys’ High Kainon School, St Mary’s DSG Kloof, Pinelands Community Church, New Church Westville, Robinhood Foundation, and Food for life Pinetown,” she said.

Amod said they would also like to extend the invitation to businesses and other organisations that prioritise charity work to join them in their winter drive.

“We encourage families, businesses, schools and churches to sponsor hot meals, especially in the coming winter months. We are also collecting Beanies and soap for our winter drive.

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“Our current needs are to continue with cooked meals three times a week, staples like tea/coffee, sugar, milk and packaging, and non-perishable foods that can be used to make up grocery hampers for destitute families. Our wishlist for this year is a reliable vehicle to continue doing the work we do.

“We are always going out to collect donations and food, and our vehicle is just worn out. We do our work on the streets, and it is challenging – portable rechargeable lights would be helpful,” she said.

Amod said they are grateful for the work they do. “It gives us immense joy knowing we can put a smile on someone’s face by just offering kindness,” she said.

If you would like to donate, sponsor a meal or volunteer your time, please contact the organisation on the following details: Sayhi@elgibborkitchen3610.co.za or call Steph at 084 081 9130.