A Cape Flats committee is rolling up their sleeves and digging into their pockets to provide food and care packs for hungry and sick mense in their community during the nationwide lockdown.
A group of concerned residents from Bonteheuwel have gathered to form the Bonteheuwel Covid-19 Response Team in an attempt to alleviate the suffering caused by the lockdown.
As soup kitchens and feeding schemes have shut down to avoid attracting crowds, following the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for social distancing, the group of 80 people consisting of individuals, community leaders and organisations have teamed up to help vulnerable people in their community.
Community worker Henriette Abrahams says prior to the lockdown, the team came together and collected donations to provide care packs which included sanitiser, masks, gloves and soap to more than 200 residents.
GOOD HEART: Henriette Abrahams
Using street committees in the 16 blocks of homes which make up Bonteheuwel, the team designated two people in each block to survey homes in their community where elderly, sick and struggling families were identified.
As the lockdown loomed, the team scrambled to raise funds for food parcels but Henriette says as the community came together, they were able to provide hundreds of parcels which included flour, sugar, yeast, beans and other essentials.
“The rush was because we were worried about what people are going to eat now as some had not been paid or received their Sassa grants yet,” she says.
“We were worried about what our poor and vulnerable were going to have.”
The need for masks also arose and with the help of unemployed seamstresses in the area, they were able to get fabric which women used to make their own masks.
SELF-FUNDED: Food parcels
“They have made buffs and what we tell the people is that they are free for those who cannot afford it, but for those who can, we sell it for R25 each and those funds go back to assist the seamstresses, who are now not working, to earn an income for their families.
“Many people who are working in factories have been left without work and therefore won’t be paid so we are finding ways to assist everyone.”
She says as representatives go door-to-door to do the handouts, they make sure to adhere to the social distancing protocol.
HELPING HAND: Residents teamed up to assist the vulnerable in Bonteheuwel
Henriette explains as the project is self-funded, they are calling on sponsors to assist them.
If you would like to assist the committee, you can send a text message to 076 378 3842
or you can email
henrietteabrahams@gmail.com
.
monique.duval@inl.co.za