Winter warmth for the needy
RUIMSIG – Sanco and the Muslim community of Greenside bring warmth to many households with their winter blanket drive.
South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) Joburg region partnered with the Greenside Muslim Association to give blankets to those in need.
Their winter warmer blanket distribution initiative was aimed at people in need of assistance in Ward 97.
Blankets were distributed at Roodepoort Athletics Stadium and at Ruimsig plot 323, to those who were evicted from Magnum Road earlier in the year. A total of 1 150 blankets were handed to the community.
Member of the Greenside Muslim Association, Abdus-Salaam Malema, explained that the community donates money to their association every year with which they are able to buy blankets for the winter warmer initiative. The association has been involved in this project for the past eight years.
Association member, Muhammad Zaakir, said they participate in these initiatives because they feel it is their duty to assist those who are suffering.
Anthea van Vollenhoven, treasurer of Sanco Joburg region, said, “Sanco is a community organisation who serves and assists the needs of people irrespective of race, colour or creed. We are dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. Sanco deals with bread and butter issues in all communities.”
She said Sanco works closely with donors, such as the Greenside Muslim Association, for yearly initiatives such as their blanket drive. However, they encountered many issues when procuring a venue for this initiative. Van Vollenhoven said, “There are no local facilities open to the community, there are no public schools. Where do you go to achieve the means and provide services to the community?”
Ward 97 councillor, Leah Knott, confirmed the stadium is not a general community centre and Sanco would have had to apply via the management of the facility. She is unable to issue letters granting permission to use the facility as there is a specific booking procedure.
Van Vollenhoven added they are grateful to the Muslim community and association for the work they do for those in need.
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