Step Foundation Care Centre is currently doing a much-needed initiative for the less fortunate and elderly in Lydenburg during the national lockdown. They are collecting food and they need the assistance of the community to make this possible.

The administrative coordinator and life coach of Step Foundation Care Centre, Hester van Zijl, said, “Although Step Foundation had already been supplying 59 meals to residents since before the original 21 days of lockdown, this number has increased to an amazing total of 114 meals per day.”

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Van Zijl said there is nothing as sad as seeing an elderly person struggling with a cane to get to the centre for a single meal per day or when a parent with small children must walk kilometres so the children can have something to eat.

They are in need of non-perishable food. “Canned goods with pop-up lids are better than canned goods that require a can opener. Avoid foods packaged in glass.

Please do not donate foods that are past the expiration date,” she said. The centre has placed its drop-off trolleys in which the community may place their donations at Pick n Pay and Longtom SPAR.

“The national lockdown was implemented as an emergency protocol to help flatten the curve of Covid-19 coronavirus infections; to prevent death and the spread of the virus.

The seclusion in turn has an astronomical financial impact on the poor and vulnerable elderly. The impact of an unforeseen state of quarantine may have the prospect of serious economic recession that leaves people in a state of despair,” she explained.

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“In times like these we must stand together as one to make a difference. Various members of the community have already stepped in to help provide meals. If you do something out of duty it will deplete you, but if you do something out of love and faith it will energise you,” said Van Zijl.

Those who would like to be part of this initiative can contact Van Zijl on 083-945-2838.