The COVID-19 pandemic has made this past year difficult for all South Africans, but when forced into lockdown back in March, scores of local Capetonians rallied behind NGO Ladles of Love to give back to the homeless community in the simplest way, sandwich-making. Through the work of volunteers, groups, and donations, the grassroots organisation was able to produce and distribute a whopping 3,832,668 sandwiches. Yet almost a year later the need remains.
For some people, those sandwiches are all they have to eat for the day. We are calling on the generous-spirited people of Cape Town, our love activists, to step up to feed the hungry and make an immediate impact in the lives of those less fortunate.
Danny Diliberto, Founder of Ladles of Love says “Throughout the pandemic people have been struggling and the effort to help both the homeless and all those in need around the Peninsula has grown to a dedicated community of people giving back. But we need more helping hands! Schools have reopened with a huge number of children reliant on feeding schemes. And with the imminent third wave of Covid-19 approaching, we need to mobilise new and old volunteers to help us make and distribute sandwiches. There is no doubt that some families and people have become even more vulnerable as a result of the pandemic, and they need additional food support. A sandwich is a small way that we can help them with their food insecurity.”
Corporate South Africa has risen to the occasion too. Anchor Yeast, our main sponsor, who has been producing yeast in South Africa since 1923, commits to making a meaningful difference to the community by providing 20 000 Sasko bread sandwiches weekly in February. “Anchor Yeast is proud to yet again partner with Ladles of Love and Sasko for this incredible campaign during these challenging times, especially in February, the month of love!” comments Lorraine Bezuidenhout, Bakery Business Unit Director at Anchor Yeast.
Jacqueline. Pillay, SASKO Senior Brand Manager says, “As a baking business feeding and fuelling our nation is a key priority. At SASKO, everything we do is about care; from the passion and expertise, we put into our products every day to partnering with organisations to lend a helping hand in the communities we serve. When we all come together, our small collective actions really can make a difference in the greatest ways.”
How you can help:
1. Join our community of volunteers at the Sandwich Hub. Join our sandwich club at our GrandWest distribution centre for an hour or two each week. We make sandwiches Monday to Friday and you are welcome to join us on as many days as you like.
2. Donate food from the comfort and safety of your own home. Take a loaf of bread (or as many as you’d like) to prepare simple peanut butter and/or jam sandwiches and/or you can simply boil some eggs which you can then drop off at any of our depots you will find on our website.
3. If you are unable to volunteer, donate R150 and we’ll make sandwiches on your behalf which will feed a child every day for a month
For more information, visit https://www.ladlesoflove.org.za/volunteer/and follow the hashtags: #loveactivist, #humanityagainsthunger
ALSO READ: Ladles and ladles of love for Cape Town
Picture: Storm Simpson/Cape Town ETC
