CPF feeds the neighbourhood

The feeding initiative took off after they received some food parcels via Goodwood ward councillor Cecile Janse Van Ransburg.

The Goodwood Community Police Forum (CPF) is seeing that food parcels get to residents who can’t afford groceries during the national lockdown to curb Covid-19.

As of today, Thursday April 30, the Western Cape has 2 135 of the novel coronavirus cases, 605 recoveries and 42 confirmed deaths, according to the Department of Health. 

CPF chairman John Ross said during the first two weeks of the lockdown, they focused on supplying Goodwood police with personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Together with the Goodwood, Tygerdal and Monte Vista neighbourhood watch groups, they collected and donated 700 face masks, 1 500 latex gloves, 55 litres of sanitiser and 80 sanitiser wipes.

Mr Ross said the feeding initiative took off after they received some food parcels via Goodwood ward councillor Cecile Janse van Rensburg, who he said has been fantastic. 

The food parcels came from the Bangladeshi Business Forum who delivered truck-loads of food to the Parow community centre on Friday April 17. https://www.northernnews.co.za/news/1000-hampers-to-help-ease-hunger-46925806

This coincided with the extension of the lockdown. Some of the CPF committee, registered neighbourhood watch patrollers and disaster risk management (DRM) volunteers decided to continue with delivery of food parcels.

Mr Ross said their focus is not on the homeless as the police are doing that by handing out curry and soup. The CPF focus is on the elderly and people in the community who are living in granny flats and wendy houses.

They stagger delivery of parcels that include donated items of fresh food, milk and tinned food, toilet paper, among other items. 

So far they have about 75 addresses, he said and all details of the recipients are confidential. 

Each person is screened and a strict record is kept of every delivery to ensure transparency.

On Saturday April 25 they spent about R1 200 on fresh vegetables. 

Mr Ross said some members have permits and can make deliveries all over the Goodwood area. Many companies and individuals have contributed to this drive but wish to remain anonymous. 

Mr Ross said they have formed three categories: the collectors, packers and delivery team. The team is currently comprised of: councillor Cecile Janse Van Rensburg in a support role, Mr Ross, CPF treasurer Lionel Jacobs, CPF assistant secretary Christene Carswell Stemmet, DRM volunteers Johan van Lill, Wesley Todd, John Grimwood, Eddie Nielssen, Wouter Immelman, Jean-Mari Immelman and Charl de Villiers. 

Cindy Nielssen and John Caerswell do not have permits and they may not travel but assist with the preparation of deliveries.

Mr Ross said they have also had donations of prepared food such as soup from residents. 

Ms Janse van Rensburg said she applauds what the CPF and community are doing in the area and supports them where she can.  

To make donations, call Mr Ross at 082 909 9528.