Food parcel drive courtesy of EH Hassim Builders World
Many families have lost their entire income, leaving them in need of the basic necessities, including food.
POLOKWANE – The national lockdown due to Covid-19 is affecting many families who lost their income due to the closure of businesses.
Against this backdrop, EH Hassim Builders World on Tuesday donated 120 food parcels to assist families in Westenburg and the Greater Mogalakwena Municipal area.
Twenty of these food parcels were handed out in Westenburg and 100 in Mogalakwena.
EH Hassim has been in business for 125 years and the management believe that the principle of giving back to the community is what has kept them going throughout the years.
They encourage other businesses, even though it’s challenging economic times, to keep giving back to the community.
Review, with the help of the ward 19 Social and Economic Development Task Team, handed out the parcels in Westenburg. The task team also handed out 40 food parcels in the community.
According to Raymond Goulkan, a member of the task team, they hand out 40 parcels daily in ward 19 thanks to various sponsors.
“Ward 19 includes areas such as Westenburg, Nirvana, Ivy Park, Rainbow Park, Ladanna and some parts of town. We have people that go out to the various communities and in each street identify families who need help,” he explained.
Goulkan added that they prioritise the elderly and child-headed households.
“We have helped 600 families with the food parcel run. There is a great need and the 40 parcels we hand out daily is not nearly enough to assist those in need. We also receive financial injections, which we use to buy electricity for those in need and medication where needed.”
Businesses or individuals who are interested in becoming sponsors can contact Goulkan at 083 358 4982.
One of the food parcel beneficiaries, Geraldine Murphy (81) thanked everyone involved in the drive.
“This is a very good initiative. Every little will help the elderly as well as many others who are worried about where their next meal will come from. To me the maize meal is especially needed. Thank you very much.”
Another beneficiary, Dorothy Heyns (81) says the food parcel came at just the right time.
“Thank you very much, may the Lord bless you for the good work you are doing in our community.”
A pensioner, Cindy Laurence (70) says she uses most of her money towards her granddaughter’s university fees, so the food parcel is a blessing: “Thank you very much, I am so happy for this gift.”
cheryllee@nmgroup.co.za
