Monte Vista Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association is ensuring that food parcels made up by a local shop are getting to those who can’t afford groceries during lockdown.
Secretary Riana De Wet says they’ve been running the food hamper project since the national lockdown to curb Covid-19 started last month.
She says the owner of the shop approached them as part of their outreach campaign.
They have been making up food parcels, to the value of R280, with enough food to feed a family of four for a week.
The association’s Tyrel Painczyk sent out a call for donations to cover the cost of the parcels and had an amazing response.
They also asked for the names and addresses of those in the community who are finding themselves in financial difficulty.
Ms De Wet says it was not easy to find the people in need.
“There are no NGOs in the area and a general feeling that people living in the green leafy suburbs don’t need help. But they do. They are very proud and don’t want others to know they need help,” she says.
Ms De Wet is the only person who has the names and addresses of the people receiving the parcels. She says they are working on trust.
The parcels are delivered by District Watch, the local security company for whom she works. Most of the recipients don’t know where the parcels come from, although some ask. She has had a couple of phone calls from recipients, one of them wanting to know how she could help, such as making sandwiches. Ms De Wet says they might call on her when schools re-open.
Another person sent a message: “May the Lord bless you, His kindness runs through you and words cannot explain how much of a difference that parcel made to the person as well as their family.”
“It’s sad but heart-warming at the same time. Most areas have NGOs but we don’t in this area but it’s working well and is successful,” she says.
Ms De Wet says they have learnt that we should never assume that a specific area is not being affected.
They have received requests for parcels for people in the neighbouring Bothasig, which is outside the association’s area but who they are helping. They have also received requests from Kuil’s River and Kraaifontein, where they cannot help.
Ms De Wet says they appreciate the support of their ward councillor, Cheryl Visser who has supported and guided the association. Ms Visser was asked for comment but did not respond.
The association feels the demand for food parcels will increase in May.
Northern News spoke to the owner of the grocery shop who says he is not looking for publicity. “It’s not for praise, it’s done privately, for the pleasure of our creator and mankind”.
Vic Barra, chairman of the Monte Vista Neighbourhood Watch, says members are supporting the food hamper project by networking and marketing.
To help, email secretary@mvratepayers.co.za