Soup kitchen in Krugersdorp West forced to close its doors
The owner did not give a reason for wanting the premises back and said the community centre should vacate the premises as soon as possible.
One hundred and twenty-four disadvantaged people of Krugersdorp West, particularly the Appelpark and Burgershoop communities, have to face the fact that their only food for the day has now been taken away.
The Mug and Tree Community Centre, a local soup kitchen and after-school facility in the area, was forced to close its doors last week after the owner of the premises informed the management that she wants the facility back.
Manager of the centre, Estelle Opperman, tearfully told the News that the owner did not give a reason for wanting the premises back, but said they had to vacate the premises as soon as possible.
Estelle was so shocked by this development that she decided to pack up the after-school facility immediately. This has resulted in 22 children being housed at her residence in the afternoons, because they do not have anywhere else to go.
This, in turn, has put tremendous pressure on The Cradle of Hope, a local home for abused women with children, also located in the area. Since the closure of the soup kitchen, The Cradle has seen an influx of hungry residents knocking on their door for food.
Melodie van Brakel, founder of the home, said on Facebook that they are facing a serious crisis. They purchase 80 loaves of bread as well as peanut butter and jam each day for the approximately 300 hungry people they help daily, which is now not enough. The daily cost of these items amounts to about R1 400, and the quantities will now have to be increased drastically because of the serious need in the community.
Both Estelle and Melodie are appealing to the community for urgent help.
If you would like to get involved in the soup kitchen, please phone Estelle on 072 456 0669. If you would like to donate bread or spreads or even funds to Melodie, please send a WhatsApp to 082 459 5747.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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