Give warmth this winter to the homeless people
“The organisation was founded by actor Percy Maluleka who played a hobo on the local daily soapie Generations The Legacy."
With winter in full swing, a local organisation in the north of Pretoria has started a blanket drive in a bid to keep the less-fortunate warm.
Founding member of the Generational Hobo Homeless Drive, Mmaletlhogonolo Dibakwane said the aim of the organisation was to raise funds and donations to give to people living and sleeping in the streets.
“Our purpose is not to clothe and feed them, but to equip them with confidence and self-esteem,” said Dibakwane.
“The organisation was founded by actor Percy Maluleka who played a hobo on the local daily soapie Generations The Legacy.
“He decided to give back to the community and invited us to help him,” she said.
Dibakwane urged members of the public to donate warm blankets which will be distributed to homeless people around Soshanguve and surrounding areas.
She said items such as warm blankets, old and new clothes, shoes, food, and toiletries were needed.
“It is really sad that even with the work we do there is still a lot of people who are hungry and homeless. The fact that we are dependent on the donations is really straining. Only as we get them we know how far our helping hands can reach.
“We have been able to assist a number of homes and shelters amid the lockdown,” said Dibakwane.
She said the members are committed, vibrant people of different age groups who wants to give back to the community.
“We are not working for gain but towards giving back to our communities and equipping both young and old with the fundamentals of being independent and sustainable individuals,” she said.
“We don’t have an age-specific group but we are looking for people who are willing, ready and committed at heart.”
Dibakwane said the organisation wants to open a shelter for the homeless and give them a home that is filled with love and warmth but they are experiencing a lot of challenges due to the pandemic.
“The pandemic has made our work hard, we cannot work together like having meetings and making donations as the whole team are out.”
She said their biggest challenge was transportation.
“We are in need of a bigger vehicle and means of funds for petrol to use for collections of donations and visiting shelters.
“Currently, we are using our founder’s car.”
Dibakwane said they realised their communities always reach out to them to lend a helping hand.
“They always want to help out but some do not have the knowledge or know the right channels to go through. But they also take part in lending a helping hand as we can’t be of help without them,” she added.
“People can always drop off clothes at our homes at 1 422 block T Soshanguve, or contact us at 076-260-1825 to collect.”
Anyone interested in donating can get more information on their Facebook page Generational Hobo Homeless Drive.
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