Cape Town-based charity, Ladles of Love, has set out to break the World Record for the longest line of food cans. This event was expected to take place on Mandela Day, but was postponed due Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
The good news is that it’s all systems go as the event is now set to take place on Sunday, August 29 2021 at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town with strict Covid-19 safety precautions in place.
Foot-pedal sanitising stations, compulsory face-masks, and social distancing practices will all be followed and enforced throughout the day while the 6.7-kilometer line, as well as allocated volunteer time-slots, provide adequate social distancing measures.
Ladles of Love Founder Danny Diliberto says “Mandela Day, was once again commemorated in a Covid lockdown and we were deeply disappointed that our World Record attempt couldn’t take place on the day.
“But the consolation is that we’ve been given extra time to reach our goal of 90 000 food cans plus recruit new and old volunteers to join in on the day. And importantly have secured Coronation Fund Managers and the V&A Waterfront as headline event sponsors.”
The current Canadian-held record is 3.28km for 44 966 cans but Ladles of Love is preparing to go the extra mile with a whopping target of 90 000 cans measuring 6.7kms long.
Ladles of Love is calling on the public to volunteer their time in order to make the day extra special, and help raise the food cans needed. These acts of kindness will not only help to break the World Record but also alleviate hunger around the peninsula.
Last year, Ladles of Love broke the world record for the most sandwiches made in one hour as volunteers from all walks of life displayed generosity while preparing 304 000 homemade sandwiches. This was then distributed to communities in need.
“It was a great way to fill an immediate need for food and raise funds for our ongoing food programmes. So, this year we need help to break another record! And all we need are 90 000 cans to do it,” Diliberto adds.
He goes on to say that “Ladles of Love has served 19 million meals since the beginning of lockdown in 2020, we have families, the elderly and children all relying on us for their winter meals.
“So although this is set to be a fun day with our eyes firmly on smashing that world record, it is an important day for the thousands of people who receive a nutritious meal from their local soup kitchens.”
Here’s how you can assist:
- Buy food cans at R100 for 5 or buy by the metre that will be sent directly to the line
- Buy a volunteer slot to help Ladles of Love break the World Record
- Walk the 6.7km line & support Ladles of Love
- Make every day a Mandela Day & donate to the Ladles of Love feeding scheme
Wendy Bergsteedt, Group Head of Marketing and CSI at Coronation says “Coronation Fund Managers is proud and excited to be involved as headline sponsor in the Ladles of Love 6.7km can drive this world record attempt on 29 August.
“We appeal to the South African public to join us in supporting this amazing initiative by donating cans and walking the line on the day. Let’s all work together to see this record not only broken but smashed!”
V&A Waterfront CEO, David Green adds “Food Security is a key dimension of our social impact strategy at The V&A Waterfront. We have huge respect for and value our long-term partnership with The Ladles of Love team, as a natural extension of our work to build a more sustainable, local, and ethical food system in Cape Town.”
Event Details:
Date: 29 August 2021
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: Noble Square, V&A Waterfront
Cost: Tickets start at R100
To participate in this wonderful initiative and make a difference, please visit www.webtickets.co.za.
Picture: Supplied