Food crisis hits Amanzimtoti Cares

Amanzimtoti Cares (AC) is in desperate need of food donations.

“Donations can be placed at any of our drop-off points around town,” said PRO, Nadine Prinsloo.

AC provides food parcels to families in crisis. This can be due to job loss, retrenchment or illness.

“This should be seen as a temporary supplement where resources are under pressure. We do not have the means to fully support anyone. Our help is limited to food, clothing and furniture and we do not have the means to give financial assistance.

We are shocked daily by the great need in our community. It seems as times are getting tougher, the longer our distribution list becomes.”

AC focuses on building a community awareness through social media and currently has more than 1,600 Facebook followers.

“When we receive a request for assistance, directly or indirectly, we make an appointment for an assessment. This is purely to form a picture of the need and whether we would be able to assist. Should we turn down a request, it would normally be because the case doesn’t meet our objectives, or we are not able to assist.”

AC has a storeroom with fridges and deep freezers, from where we do our distribution. Its overhead costs include rent, electricity, fuel, telephone and data bundles to drive social media-based communication within the community.

“Sometimes there are situations where we have to go out at night to pick up people to take them to a hospital, place of safety or whatever the case may demand.”

AC relies on sponsors for monthly donations, as that it ensures it can meet its goals. This is an ideal opportunity to businesses to support the local community, without getting directly involved.

AC focuses on a special drive every two to three months. “Our drive for this period is to collect food, blankets and whatever can assist Toti SPCA. We ask the public to support this worthy cause by dropping off donations at our bins or paying money into our bank account.

Drop-off bins are at Ultra DVD at Seadoone Mall and Pick n Pay Arbour Crossing.

“We thank the public for their support and our volunteers for their time and effort.” If anybody wants to volunteer or contact AC, call Edna on 082-466-0017.

Banking details: Amanzimtoti Cares NPC, Standard Bank Amanzimtoti, account number: 057120617, branch code: 051001.