Need for food, essential items grows in north
Jutersonke said he believes the increased demand for food is due to the SMME owners now needing assistance because they are not making living during the lock down.
A project in the north of Pretoria that helps needy families during the current lockdown cannot keep up with the cries for help from the community.
Recently, Detlef Jutersonke, project co-ordinator for The Apies River Valley Help Group called on the community to donate food to needy families in the area.
The Apies Rivier Valley consists of smallholdings and farms in Vastfontein, Hammanskraal, Haakdoornboom, Lusthof, Grootvlei Wes and Bultfontein, Rondavel, Indermine, Grootvlei oos, Mont Lorraine, Waterval, Honingnestkranz, Onderstepoort and Kromdraai.
The group started helping five families in the area and now 52.
Jutersonke said the number of struggling families has grown to more than 52 since the beginning of lockdown.
“There are so many people struggling out there. I have actually lost count how many needy families there are.
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“We are currently assisting a total of 67 and the number is growing daily.”
He said they had to start turning people away at this point.
“Unfortunately the supply by far exceeds the demand.”
Jutersonke said he believes the increased demand for food parcels was due to the more and more SME owners that cannot trade during the lockdown that now required assistance.
With winter well on its way, items such as clothes and blankets would also be in demand for the needy families in the area.
Jutersonke asked the community to assist with supporting the needy families in the community by donating food and other essential items.
Meanwhile, the Laat Waai butchery in Vlakfontein has been made a drop off point for anyone who would like to donate to the Apies River Valley Group’s project for needy families during the national lockdown.
Jutersonke thanked those who were already part of making a difference by helping these families and encouraged the community to continue to come together to support each other during this time.
“In these trying times it is heart breaking to see the effects of Covid-19 on the economy and our local community. We do, however, remain exceptionally grateful for the assistance and donations received from individuals in this community. We are standing together as a community and appreciate each and every person involved,” Jutersonke said.
For more information or to get involved contact Detlef Jutersonke on 082-782-5689 or Liezl van der Walt on 073-194-7837.
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