JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The Mother Teresa Destitute feeding group last month distributed blankets and comforters with their normal distribution of food in and around the Johannesburg area.

They also had a special distribution of blankets only. A quantity of 400 blankets were donated by Neil McLeod, a generous member of The Lotus Register (TLR), with the balance of 300 blankets donated by the Red Skins, Acadenia da Ferrugem, Letab Projects, Novo Mundo Travel Agency and various other individuals. 

A total of 700 blankets were accumulated and distributed over a short period of time to homeless people with no real shelter and who were found sleeping in the streets in various parts of the Johannesburg. 

The areas visited were Booysens, Newtown and areas close to what was previously known as the old John Vorster Police Station. Carlos Pires was responsible for driving one of the vehicles to find needy people. His dedication and priority was to distribute the blankets. The evening started at 17:00 and the team arrived home at 22:30 after this Find-And-Donate, a magnificent effort.

The Mother Teresa Destitute feeding group’s aim is to assist the needy with food, clothing and blankets and was initiated in 1989 by Gina Louro. Parishioners of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church run the group on a voluntary basis.

The group is associated with other charitable organisations such as ALPHA, the AIDS BABIES and TLC charity group. Its mission is the distribution of food (every Tuesday), clothes, blankets (in winter) and shoes.

Presently they are able to operate on a once-a-week basis (every Tuesday evening). They assist between 300 and 400 people on the streets. They also give and deliver 42 food parcels to poor families at their homes once a week. They action extends beyond the area of the parish, reaching other areas of the Johannesburg Metropolitan area.

This is possible due to the voluntary work of a small but enthusiastic group of people complemented by the goodwill of some small businesses and private individuals in and around the area. The Mother Teresa Destitute feeding group’s success is thanks to them and to kindhearted people out there as all they contribute is donated. 

The team would like to thank the following companies and individuals for their donations of blankets: Mr Neil McLeod from the Lotus Club, Red Skins, Academia da Ferrugem, Letab projects, Novo Mundo travel agency and individuals who wish to remain anonymous.
For more information contact 011 435 0682, 079 539 7101 or visit their website www.charitygroup.co.za