Blankets of Hope for Polokwane’s most vulnerable
Over 200 vulnerable residents received blankets, food, clothing, and care during an outreach by Property Connect and partners.
POLOKWANE – More than 200 vulnerable residents received much-needed warmth, dignity and care during a successful blanket, food and clothing drive hosted by Property Connect in partnership with the Polokwane Buurtwag Neighbourhood Watch, at Zurel College on Saturday.
The initiative, which gathered over 180 blankets, food, and winter clothing, brought together businesses and individuals from across Limpopo, Mokopane, Pretoria, and Property Connect offices in George.
Tumi Ramatlhodi, national marketing manager at Property Connect, expressed gratitude to sponsors including Ooba Homeloans, Seopa Dentals, and colleagues in the real estate industry for their heartfelt support.
A highlight of the event was the testimony of Bertie Nel from Kosmos Angels, who shared his personal journey of overcoming homelessness and addiction.
“Through my family’s love, I rose from rock bottom. Today, I serve others through acts of kindness – food, clothing, and dignity-restoring street showers,” said Nel.
His partnership with Mariza Pelser from Heartdrive Projekte and inspiration from a Centurion street shower in 2020, organised by Andrew Doyle, led to Polokwane’s first such initiative in 2023.
This year, Nel and his team, assisted by Evette Kruger from Addicts Voice, expanded the outreach further, hosting a women-focused street shower in February, where they served 76 people during the 2024 edition. Nel also collaborated with Gerhard Franken, alongside Buurtwag and Property Connect, to create something even more powerful, a warm blanket and hearty soup to comfort not just the body but the soul.
The latest drive included haircuts by Nelda Myburg from Zurel Hair Academy and her team, hot meals and emotional support. Nel described the event as “a living testament to what love, faith, and unity can achieve”.
He concluded that this journey has been carried on the wings of countless angel organisations like Kosmos Angels, Heartdrive Projekte, Addicts Voice, Seed of Life, and many other generous businesses and anonymous donors whose hearts poured out in kindness, each one a vital thread woven into this tapestry of hope.
Ramatlhodi added: “This is only the beginning. Together, we will continue to bring hope, dignity and healing to the streets of Polokwane”.
For more on future events or to support the initiative, contact Property Connect or Kosmos Angels.
