Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all our lives have changed in one way or another; in a matter of weeks this unforeseen and unprecedented global disaster forced us all to adapt in ways which we never thought possible. However, the unfortunate truth is that those with the financial means are always better equipped to adapt to radical change than ‘those without’. The impact of the virus on South Africa’s poorest communities was immediate and crippling; low-income jobs were lost, state support diminished and access to vital food and supplies became extremely challenging.
However, despite its many flaws, in the face of extreme adversity, humanity often prevails when we work together. When the pandemic first hit South Africa in March 2020 and the country entered its first national lockdown, it quickly became clear that the short-term impact of these extreme measures would be devastating for ‘those without’. In response, SOS Africa launched its Emergency Food Relief Appeal in the hope of raising vital funding to ease the suffering of these communities. Little did we know that the generosity of those answering our call would enable us to extend this support to thousands of hungry mouths across the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Initially, the Emergency Food Relief Appeal enabled the SOS Africa Staff to supply comprehensive and nutritious monthly food parcels to the families of the SOS Africa children. This enabled us to ensure that our children would be well-nourished during the weeks and months that they were unable to access our education centres. The generosity of our sponsors has enabled us to continue this support throughout the national lockdowns. In partnership with local farms and companies including Emdee Food Group and Econo Foods, SOS Africa’s Claudia has organised locally sourced, healthy food parcels which we still distribute to this day.
Last week SOS Africa’s Matt, Davedeen, Caroline and Enock delivered monthly food parcels directly to the homes of the families of each of our sponsored children in the Western Cape:
“It was wonderful to see their reactions as we arrived; the bright smiles of the SOS kids and the warmth and gratitude of their parents and guardians. We are so proud that our organisation has been able to provide this vital support throughout all national lockdowns to ensure that our SOS families and their children are well-nourished during these difficult times.” (Matt Crowcombe, SOS Africa CEO)
Since the outbreak of the 1st wave of COVID-19 in South Africa, SOS Africa has also partnered with community-based soup kitchens and feeding schemes, enabling them to provide emergency food relief to individuals and families desperately in need of support. 15 months on, this support is still going strong, and we continue to be inspired by the dedication of those providing these vital services.
In recent weeks, the SOS Africa staff have visited feeding schemes supported by the Emergency Appeal operating in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, coordinated by Lorraine Emery from The Village Collaboration. This initiative alone provides thousands of meals each week:
“SOS Africa purchases food items that allow us to tailor make food parcels to 185 elderly people in desperate situations. In addition, approximately 150 families receive a food parcels bi-weekly and the fresh vegetables, fruit and bulk dry goods are distributed to three very busy soup kitchens where 600 meals are prepared each day. Without this incredibly generous contribution, it would be near impossible to reach the numbers that we do. Thank you again Matt and the incredible team at SOS Africa. We love working with you!” (Lorraine Emery, The Village Collaboration)
And the support does not end there. SOS Africa recently announced the construction of a new education centre and charity headquarters in Gordon’s Bay, Western Cape. This new facility will include an edible garden and catering kitchen which will not only provide nutritional support but also train adults and children how to grow and cook fruit and vegetables of their own.
“From the bottom of our hearts, a big thank you to the sponsors of our Emergency Food Relief Appeal for the life-saving support you have empowered us with to provide those most affected by the pandemic over the past 15 months. Your kindness has ensured that humanity will prevail and that ‘those without’ will also overcome the pandemic.” (Matt Crowcombe, SOS Africa CEO)
