‘The strategy for Containers Filled with Hope is twofold; the public can donate food, or they can make a cash donation so that we can buy the food for people in need.’
IN A BID to assist families facing food shortages during the current 21-day national lockdown, union Solidarity’s welfare department, Helping Hand, is handing out buckets full of food, and seeking buy-in on the project.
Hannes Noeth, executive director of Solidarity Helping Hand said the organisation had established more than 70 “Joseph Silos” where non-perishable food can be delivered.
“The name Joseph Silos was derived from the Bible when Joseph, while in Egypt, received instruction to gather food during the seven prosperous years and to store it for the seven years’ famine that would follow. Our intention with Joseph Silos, therefore, is to make provision for the difficult times we are currently experiencing and to make provision for the difficult times that may follow after the lockdown is over,” Noeth said.
To make Joseph Silos more accessible for anyone wanting to make a contribution, Helping Hand launched its Containers Filled with Hope Project.
“The strategy for Containers Filled with Hope is twofold; the public can donate food, or they can make a cash donation so that we can buy the food for people in need,” Noeth explained.
Helping Hand fills the containers and disinfects the packaging. Each container contains non-perishable goods to the value of R350 which will be distributed to families in need.
“Helping Hand wants to make a difference among families, and that is why we created Containers Filled with Hope. Every container must make a difference in our needy communities currently suffering because of the Covid-19 lockdown. We specifically use the word ‘container’ because it is something that you can physically touch and you can use the contents. We specifically use the word ‘filled’ as it is not merely a container – the container is filled with ‘hope’, because along with the few food items, we also give people hope,” said Noeth.
“In principle, Helping Hand believes in giving right. We carefully evaluate what a family needs and then calculate it correctly to determine what will see them through in a difficult time. Containers Filled with Hope are aimed at providing a handle for the situation in which people currently find themselves.”
Opposition party the Freedom Front Plus took the lead and made the first contribution by donating R50 000 to purchase Containers Filled with Hope. Noeth thanked the party for the “generous donation”.
“This is how you can help. Buy a Container Filled with Hope for R350 and help to alleviate hunger among needy and vulnerable families during the Covid-19 pandemic. Visit www.houersvolhoop.co.za to buy a container,” said Noeth.
Each container contains 12.5 kilograms of maize meal, two kilograms of rice, macaroni, a box of 200 teabags, soy beef, soy chicken, tinned tomato and onion mix, corned beef, tinned beans, soup powder, cooking oil, salt, jam, toothpaste, nine rolls of toilet paper and dishwashing liquid.
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, and the resultant national lockdown, Noeth said Helping Hand had been inundated with requests for help from vulnerable groups.
- African News Agency
