The homeless find caring allies in Fourways Club

Their mission is to serve and for those reasons, Fourways Lions Club is hoping to receive donations of toiletries for the homeless in Randburg and Fourways.

They want to improve their well-being by contributing positively to their lives by trying to assist with the specific needs of the individuals they help says the club’s secretary Elindi van den Heever.

The club focuses on vision, hunger, diabetes, cancer, and environmental problems as its pillars of service. “We are not strictly limited to these five areas though and if a need arises and we can assist then we will gladly do so. Sometimes you just have to give some of your time to give back and make a difference.”

“We have a common goal and that is to help make this world a better place and to help those in need. Every person deserves to not be hungry, to feel clean and safe, and to have personal dignity. This project helps us to give 80 homeless people back their dignity by providing them with basic needs in the form of toiletries and food. There is no greater joy than seeing a need of others fulfilled.”

Last year the club had meals with an organisation, Doorway to Dignity to feed the homeless. “We have provided mommy care bags to new mothers at various government hospitals as well as mommy and baby bags for premature babies at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. We collaborated with Beanies for Beings to get much-needed clothing, toys, and food to those in need. We also did a huge Jar of Hope project where over 6 000 people were given a meal.”

The selection process is simple when it comes to distributing the donations. “We generally get approached by other charitable organisations. Schools, churches, and hospitals that have identified a need. We take care in making sure we verify the need and then try and help as best we can. Anyone can approach us and ask. When it comes to organisations, we will always verify the legitimacy first.”

Van den Heever pleaded, “There is no such thing as too small a donation. Every item and cent counts. We can use most items other people don’t want to raise money or to find a new home for it where it can be used. We are asking the public for either monetary donations so we can buy what is needed or for actual items but we request in-kind donations too. We are always in need of toiletries, sanitary pads, and underwear of varying sizes for males and females, adults, and children. So even wool donations are welcome. We give these to senior citizens who are helping us knit items for donation which gives them a purpose as well as a way to help.”

“We also have room for membership growth and always need a hand. If you have time to assist and serve then come and join us. Many hands make light work and giving of your time is incredibly valuable to us and ultimately to those we help.”

To contact the Fourways Lions, call 082 942 7161 or email fourwayslions.secretary@gmail.com

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