40 000 meals packed for needy communities

Just two days after celebrating World Food Day, Clearwater Mall hosted Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa who have a vision of a Southern Africa without hunger.

On Saturday 18 October, 300 volunteers from Curro Aurora helped pack 40 000 meals that will be donated to Early Childhood Development centres (ECD). Aldon Karshagen who is a volunteer for Stop Hunger Now said the meals they packed were more of a hand-up rather than a hand-out. “We empower ECDs to secure their own sustainability,”explained Karshagen. He said with the meals they donate to the ECDs, it was a condition that the centres need to improve their facilities so that they can meet all legislative requirements that will make it possible for them to register with the Department of Social Development.

Though their main focus is on ECD, the organisation also feeds children in orphanages, primary schools, high schools and university students. “It is a fact that children in underprivileged areas are often sent to school if they will be fed.”

He also highlighted that the meals they pack are fully balanced and nutritional which they believe will help for the holistic development of children.

Mr SA Finalist and Ruimsig resident Armand du Plessis also took part in the packing of meals. “I believe that no one should go hungry. I salute Clearwater Mall and Stop Hunger for this initiative.”

Du Plessis said he believes he can play a significant role to end hunger in Southern Africa. “Addressing hunger is a key strategy to increasing education levels and providing a way out of poverty.”

Oratilwe Phoshoko, who was among Curro Aurora pupils who dedicated the past Saturday to helping the needy, said she was happy to take part in the initiative. “I’m proud that I know a meal I packed will be given to children in disadvantaged communities.”