Local business helps homeless with meals
"The Covid-19 outbreak is hitting all businesses, including the hard-working owners, operators, farmers, delivery drivers, staff, and just about everyone in the food industry."
A popular restaurant in Irene, Centurion has decided to help feed local homeless people hit by the lockdown, and now prepares about 700 meals a day in addition to food parcels.
“We are busier than popcorn on a skillet,” said Railways Cafe owner Tania Bryant.
“The Covid-19 outbreak is hitting all businesses, including the hard-working owners, operators, farmers, delivery drivers, staff, and just about everyone in the food industry.”
Railways Café was established with assistance from the Makers Foundation as a pilot project for Makers Villages.
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According to Bryant, it has successfully sustained many local artists and small entrepreneurs during the past 10 years of its existence.
“We all have a place. A spot. A special restaurant, cafe, bakery, or bar in our local neighbourhood. We have a favourite item on the menu, a server we recognise, or a dessert we love. But now our local restaurants are in trouble.”
“Instead, Railways Cafe has engaged the community in Centurion to assist with food donations that are prepared in our kitchen,” Bryant said.
Bryant said in addition to local homeless people to whom they provide daily meals and food parcels, they also take care of ‘their resident artist’ who is currently in lockdown at the Makers Village.
“We innovate and create, build each other up and grow at a tremendous rate. We have our finger in every pie: from aeroponics, recycling, laser cutting and 3D printing, to sewing and designing, vending and all sorts of training. In a nutshell: we’re the best thing since sliced bread.”
“There’s no sugar coating it, recycling is important. That’s why we make it easy as pie for you to do. Candles, material, wood, plastic, glass or anything else – we do the whole enchilada! Got old clothes? No use crying over spilt milk; just trade it in with us. Our vintage store items sell like hotcake!”
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She said the restaurant and Makers Foundation have successfully sustained many artists and performing artists over the years.
“These hard-working entrepreneurs have been able to sustain their lifestyles and could provide for their families; however, to the pandemic, this is no longer possible.”
Bryant has invited the community to visit the Maker’s Village and support local entrepreneurs who work hard to make a living.
“You can pop in at the Imake Showroom and go bananas over the carefully crafted creations. We take life with a pinch of salt, so we turn work into fun,” said Bryant.
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