Organisation aims to make a difference in the lives of the needy

FOR more than four years the non-profit organisation, Widowed and Single Parents (WASP), has dedicated their time to serving humanity on a daily basis.

Brian Naidoo, the founder and chairperson of the organisation, said their aim was to help those that are most vulnerable, such as single and widowed parents, senior citizens, and underprivileged children.

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And one of their recent initiatives was a handover of shoes, stationery and non-perishable items to the Durban South Primary School, an all-girls school in Clairwood. They also donated a 210 litre plastic drum with a tap.

“We identified Durban South Primary School as one of the schools that are in need and because they run a nutritional programme. This is something that is close to my heart, as I believe a child that is hungry cannot focus and learn, which can have a long-term impact. We have also done some handovers at other schools and hope to continue to do so on a regular basis in the new year,” he said.

The organisation also provides hot meals, bread and water on a daily basis, as well food hampers on a monthly basis, to residents and schools from various areas, including Merebank, The Bluff, Wentworth, Clairwood. They also reach out as far as Tongaat, Verulam and Phoenix.

Naidoo said he founded the organisation, which is registered with the Department of Social Development, in May 2018, after seeing a need to assist people who were struggling to make ends meet.

“I could not turn a blind-eye to people starving, especially those who are most vulnerable. We are a five person team, who go out on a daily basis, 365 days a year, trying to help as many people as possible,” he said.
Naidoo, who worked in the insurance industry, said he decided to give up his day job in July to focus solely on the organisation.

“I knew that, while earning money is great, it is not giving me any fulfillment. I took the plunge and resigned and it was the best decision I ever made,” he said.

Naidoo said one of their challenges was finding sponsors and getting donors on board.
“If we can get more people to assist, imagine how many more people we could help to put food in their stomachs?

For those that would like to donate money, we have been granted Section 18A tax status with SARS, and donors will receive a donation certificate to be submitted with income taxes,” he said.

He said seeing the joy on the faces of those they assist, was the greatest reward. “You cannot put a value on the expressions on people’s faces when they receive food or other items,” he said.

Silindile Msomi, the principal at Durban South Primary School, said they were grateful for the donations.
She said the school has 679 learners, and about 85% were from impoverished homes.

“Many of the parents have told us that they are struggling to make ends meet after the Covid-19 pandemic, looting and floods this year, as many lost their jobs. We are grateful for any donations we receive, no matter how big or small, it will help the learners and the school. We would like to thank the organisation for their generosity,” she said.

If you would like to assist the organisation, contact Naidoo on 084 474 6669.

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