Bethal soup kitchen feeds 90 families
Each household can consist of anything from one person to six in a family, however, in one case there are 23 people in a single household.
BETHAL – For 40 years the local soup kitchen has been a much-needed source of food handouts and today sees 90 families (258 people) being fed.
Well known resident Ms Lettie Olivier, who took over the soup kitchen duties from her mother, Ms Santjie Espach, has been running the soup kitchen for 25 years.
Although she has on occasion wanted to throw in the towel, Ms Olivier knows that she has too many families that depend on her.
Each household can consist of anything from one person to six in a family, however, in one case there are 23 people in a single household.
“These are families that cannot afford to stay in a single household. They depend on these handouts.
“It is heartbreaking to see families who had lost everything. A man who used to have a house and work to come and ask for help,” said Ms Olivier.
She said the elderly and children are the ones who touch her heart the most as they are the most vulnerable and because of this, she has a good relationship with social workers should special cases arise.
Organisations such as Solidariteit, Helpende Hand, AfriForum, two local churches, businesses and the community are who Ms Olivier relies on the most as they play a huge roll in keeping the soup kitchen going.
“Everything that is handed out to these families is what has been donated.”
Food parcels are made up on Wednesday which will then be ready for handouts on Thursday. Parcels are distributed to families at two drop off points.
Each parcel consists of a week supply of food that contains meat, one pack of pasta, two tin of food, two types of fresh vegetables, a pack of maize meal and margarine.
Besides needing food, these families also need basic toiletries and cleaning products such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, washing powder and dish liquid.
“There is just not enough money to do the bit extra. There is no room in our budget for luxuries like coffee, tea or sugar.
“We have to make do with what we can. The more donations I receive the more I can give,” said Ms Olivier.
Every year a fishing competition is held and money raised would normally go to the soup kitchen. This money would be allocated throughout the year’s budget however, due to Covid-19, the event will not be held.
Sadly with the figures climbing on the unemployment side, many have become reliant on these handouts.
Ms Olivier is appealing to the public and businesses to help see the year through by continuing to support the families who rely on these parcels by donating anything from money to non-perishable foods and toiletries.
“Thank you for believing in me and this cause. I could not have done what I have been doing for the past 40 years without the continuous support I have been receiving,” ended Ms Olivier.
Donations can be given in at FB Slaghuis, 42 Jabulani Selepe Street, Bethal.
