Entities feed homeless people in Alberton
Various entities joined hands to shower homeless people in Alberton with much-needed donations.
In observing Mandela Day, Upper Room Rehabilitation Centre, New Redruth Village Pick n Pay, and Bowmans made a difference to about 300 needy people.
Scores of people showed up at Ligstad on July 13, where they had their hands filled with donations of meals, blankets and toiletries.
They prayed for and offered hope through the preaching of the gospel.
Upper Room Rehabilitation Centre’s digital online partner, 1AfricaRadioTV, a mass communication platform, streamed the drive.
Shane Botha of New Redruth Village Pick n Pay said pastor Ian Naidoo invited them to help make a difference to the many beneficiaries during the drive.
“They had a list of items they were looking for, like toiletry gift bags, for about 250 people. We took on the challenge because Mandela Day is coming up, and it’s currently Pick n Pay’s birthday.
“The bags contain a body wash, a roll-on, body lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste,” he explained.
He reiterated that ‘doing good is good business’.
Botha also thanked AJ Powell (AMKA Brands), Vaughan Pierce (Pick n Pay Sustainability), Karin Ashley, Anwoor Mooideen, Lorraine Rahube and Magdeline Matlala (national customer service Pick n Pay).
Ari Chipkin of Bowmans said, “We have a long-running corporate social responsibility and pro bono programme. We like to give back to the community. We donated 90 blankets, and this year, we’re focusing on working with charities that deal with homelessness and hunger. We’re trying to combat this by getting involved.”
Naidoo, from The Upper Room Rehabilitation Centre, thanked all the sponsors and volunteers for going the extra mile to help those in need.
“The Upper Room Rehabilitation Centre thanks the sponsors for support in our street ministry initiatives. Through the giving of others, together with our sponsors, we were able to host our very first Mandela Day drive. Look out for our fundraiser events coming soon,” he said.
Beneficiary Tinus Nel said, “It felt good knowing someone cares about us, and we’re happy to receive the blankets, especially because of the cold.”
