Cape Town – The Parkwood Community Upliftment Organisation (PCU) has appealed for donations for their upcoming winter drive and feeding scheme, which have not been fully operational for the past few weeks.
Every year during the month of April, the PCU starts their winter drive to stock up on food and supplies that will help families who are affected by floods and fires during the cold and rainy months.
They also assist senior citizens with ingredients for soup or any form of healthy meal every two weeks.
As part of the winter drive, the PCU reaches out to families by assisting them with packages consisting of various dry ingredients and a collection of warm blankets as well as heaters.
“We have nothing, this time around we did not even stock up or have anything to cook for our local feeding scheme in the community;, it is very tough because we do not have anything as we are not currently receiving any donations,” said founder Max Swarts.
“We do not have a sponsor, we rely on donations from the public. The high costs of gas has become a major issue as well because we use gas to cook.
"A vegetable garden was started to sustain our feeding scheme but our other programmes are affected as well because we cannot empower the people on an empty stomach,” said Swarts.
The feeding scheme in the past has provided wholesome meals to approximately 350 people, including children, a day.
Since donations have been scarce, the organisation is now only able to provide meals at least once a week, if they are fortunate to receive any donations.
“We dig our hands into our own pockets which allows us to feed at least twice a week but not as often as previous weeks.
"We had a knock and are in desperate need of people to come along.
“As the founder of the organisation I am starting to feel it, but it is my passion and my God given purpose. I cannot give up,” said Swarts.
Sydney Sasman, 55, from Parkwood, said he was dependent on the food and supplies they received from the organisation, as he was not working.
“I receive whatever they get in whether it is bread or food they hand out, the food is very helpful especially during the times where I am in need they are there for me.
“When I get a small job I am able to provide what I can at times but the organisation is always a helping hand when I am in need because I know I can go to get something to eat,” said Sasman.
Swarts is appealing to any form of donations that will help including bread, rice, blankets, food parcels or even money just to name a few.
For any donations contact: 065 714 5553.
Cape Times