Covid-19: You can make a difference by feeding a family in need, here’s how

HIGHVELD – “With Covid-19 God has isolated us in our homes, but has united us in our hearts.”

These are the words of well-known businessman, Mr Imraan Salajee.

Mr Salajee had begun an initiative by providing a meal for families that are going through difficult times. He has since reached out to local businesses and community members to join hands in helping to feed local families in need. He also posted this on Facebook.

“While in isolation, I was thinking how we can help people out there, because they obviously don’t have an income. At first, I assumed in my mind that there might be 10 or 20 locals who need help. Within an hour I had more than 150 people responding to the post and pleading for help,” said Mr Salajee.

Mr Salajee said one of the pleas which stood out to him was that of a 76-year-old man who had not eaten in four days.

“It was heart sore when I read these people’s responses. I could not understand that there are so many people out there already suffering and we are barely halfway into our lockdown.”

At first, Mr Salajee had made a pledge to himself to feed 100 people a week, which adds up to R10 000 per week during the lockdown period, but he could not prepare himself for the huge response and demand. That is when he went back to his Facebook page and challenged others to do the same by pledging to feed the needy.

On 16 April, 1000 meals were provided from this pledge; this number is continuously growing by the day. An amount of R110 000 had been raised.

“The need in Secunda, Bethal, Evander, Kinross, Trichardt and eMbalenhle is extremely high. We have also been receiving request for food from people outside our area. The number is expected to increase as we are nearing month-end and many people will be struggling to make ends meet.”

Initially Mr Salajee was doing this initiative by himself, but due to the high demand and the hope to attend to as many people as possible per day, he has since brought in his office personnel who are working through every message and keeping a database of people who have redeemed vouchers.

“The people asking for help are coming from different backgrounds, different race groups, different religions and people contributing are of the same demographic. We are not affiliated with any political party; we are not affiliated to any religious groups. We are just local people who are worried about humanity and want to help. It is basic human emotions to want to help someone out,” said Mr Salajee.

Because of the lockdown, not everyone can interact by handing over vouchers or hampers. Mr Salajee is making use of the Shoprite Checkers Virtual Voucher, which can be redeemed at any Shoprite and Checkers store by providing a PIN that would be sent via SMS to the person redeeming this voucher. See https://www.checkers.co.za/ for terms and conditions.

In order to redeem the voucher to the value of R100, you will need to WhatsApp your name, surname and the amount of dependents as well as which town you are from. All that is asked in return is that the recipients send a photo of what they have brought with the voucher.

Anybody that is in need of food is welcome to WhatsApp or SMS details at 079 059 6709.

Persons are requested to only send a message once as to prevent a backlog.

If you would like to make a contribution you contact Mr Salajee on his personal Facebook page via messenger.

Mr Salajee said the response from the public wanting to pledge has been amazing and thanked everyone who has made a contribution.

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