New feeding project needs your help

During full lockdown last year, more families than ever struggled just to get by. Organisations that sprang into action to help quickly found themselves becoming over-extended. Anyone who could help to lighten the burden and support those in need was welcomed.

Throughout the years, former ward councillor Leon Ehrke had run various feeding schemes and knew his help was needed during lockdown. He and his team went on to feed around 30 families in the Lewisham area.

When lockdown ended, the immense need didn’t end. A few months into 2021, Leon noted that many of these families and many more still struggle to get back on their feet. It’s difficult to get through the day, get your kids to school and better yourself when you’re constantly worrying about where your next meal will come from.

In the past, Leon and his wife ran a few mobile soup kitchens to feed some of the homeless around town, but he realised that a more permanent solution was needed. This led to his current project; establishing a food donation organisation.

Leon is looking for about five community members to join them and form a committee, so that all decisions will be made by a group, rather than an individual.

Secondly, he has started reaching out to people and businesses who would like to become part of the project and donate food or funds on a regular basis.

To get the project off the ground and start feeding the first group of families in Lewisham, he’s asking for small, basic and inexpensive food items such as a packet of pasta, baked beans and, maybe, a tin of jam. This isn’t much of a meal, but Leon hopes that it will be enough to fill an empty space in some people’s stomachs until they are able to grow the food project.

To assist Leon with this project, please contact him on 082 785 6816.