Gift of the Givers celebrate 25 years in Tswelopele Section

The City of Ekurhuleni, together with the Gift of the Givers foundation, celebrated International Mandela Day on Monday at Tswelopele Section. This was part of the foundation’s twenty-fifth anniversary celebration.

Scores of people from Ward 01 came out in numbers to receive food parcels and other goodies.

Midrand representative for Gift of the Givers foundation, Roslyn Toontas, said City of Ekurhuleni and Gift of the Givers decided to reach out to the community as part of the foundation’s anniversary.

She said Gift of the Givers was celebrating its twenty-five years of delivering lifesaving aid to the needy.

“We have thirty staff members here. Emergency services, South African Police Service and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department came to ensure everyone’s safety at the event,” said Toontas.

She said the event targeted physically challenged community members, the elderly, unemployed people and vulnerable children.

“The event caters for 5000 community members. We are giving away baby nappies, 2500 blankets, 2500 food packs and 2500 packets of Cerevita cereal. We will make sure we accommodate everyone at the event.”

She said Shoprite Checkers also donated 300 food parcels that will be given to aged community members.

City of Ekurhuleni MMC of community safety MMC Cllr Vivienne Chauke handed donations to beneficiaries.

Acting Mayor, human settlements MMC Lesiba Mpya, said South Africans need to emulate the spirit of Nelson Mandela through community service. “South Africa is characterised by severe socio-economic despairities which see the majority of people displaced. Therefore, every citizen has to play a part in reversing the ramifications of poverty and unemployment”.

Ward 01 councilor Clr Derek Thomson said he greatly appreciated that the enormous gesture was hosted by his ward.

“I’m overwhelmed that beneficiaries include vulnerable children, the elderly, people on chronic medication and physically challenged,” he said at the event.