Ward councillor offers a helping hand in many suburbs
This is the time to unite and care for one another
Ward councillor Simon Lapping is among many people who decided to extend a helping hand during the lockdown by donating towards vulnerable families who are facing more hardship.
“There are so many families who are in need of assistance so I decided to do this. I have been working with different organisations, individuals and also buying groceries out of my own pocket and sharing the little I have to help the more vulnerable in our community,” said Lapping.
“We are all going through a rough time as a result of this lockdown, but we need to try and assist each other. There are residents who also assist but there is only so much they can do. This is why we need more people to help by donating towards this initiative.”
Lapping told Express there was a vetting process to ensure that people did not take advantage of the initiative.
Lapping has fed more than 30 families in various suburbs, including Cresslawn, Croydon, Rhodesfield and Impala Park. He has worked through churches and councillors such as Tracey Lourenco.
“The groceries I deliver go to different families; some have up to 10 members and smaller ones who are only two but the need is there,” said Lapping.
“I encourage community members to check on their friends and family members to see if they are in need of help and assist them first, sometimes our loved ones are in need and we don’t even know about it.
“This is the time to unite and care for one another.”
Lapping recently delivered groceries to a family of 10 in Cresslawn. Joe and Christa Saayman have been battling to provide for their family during the lockdown. Christa works for a charity organisation while Joe runs a small garden service and unfortunately things took a bad turn when their reality was ‘no work, no pay’.
“It really is tough and we are extremely grateful for what Lapping has done for our family and what he continues to do for others who are in need,” said Christa.
“We also extend our gratitude to everyone who is working with Lapping.”
Lapping said some of the items needed included non-perishable foods, baby nappies (especially newborn), baby clothes, baby formula, mealie meal, sugar, pasta, soup mix, toilet paper and toiletries (especially tooth paste).
“I have received adult clothing although there isn’t much need for it, but we definitely need newborn baby clothes. There are residents who are helping with donations and identifying those in need.
“There are a lot of people with good hearts and I am truly grateful towards everyone who has helped. I appeal to more people to open their hearts so we can help our fellow community members who in need.”
For more information or to donate, contact Lapping on 078 350 5063.
