GEORGE NEWS - With less than a month to Christmas, eight of George's nutritional centres, formerly known as soup kitchens, each received a gas stove from Mayor Leon van Wyk and Portfolio Councillor for Community Services and Social Development Brendon Adams.
Van Wyk and Adams paid a visit to centres in Conville, Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu, Rosemoor and Maraiskamp.
"Today I have met a few heroes in our society. I'm sure that many children in these areas rely on a hearty cup of soup as their only meal of the day," said Van Wyk.
"I have so much admiration and appreciation for the work that all these amazing women do for their communities. These stoves will go a long way in aiding them in their pursuit."
Their first stop was at Dina Witbooi's soup kitchen on Cain Road in Rosedale. Witbooi serves 120 to 130 people a day, four times a week. Witbooi could not contain her excitement and appreciation of her new stove and promised to make the mayor biryani on her new appliance.
Van Wyk said he is very happy for the opportunity to assist her in the noble work that she is doing for her community. "I commend every soup kitchen for their amazing work and service."
The second stop was at the house of Rosina Gordon in Jacaranda Street, Pacaltsdorp. Gordon, who turns 70 in little over a year, has been feeding her community for 30 years. She currently feeds about 300 people twice a week.
Gordon stressed the need for more donations, saying there is a genuine need for soup kitchens and feeding schemes in the area. She proudly mentioned that she hosts a Christmas party for residents every year.
Last year she had over 300 guests. Gordon's husband built her a kitchen for her community work where she will give her new stove a place of honour. Van Wyk and Adams had to snack on sandwiches before they left, because no one ever leaves her home without having something to eat, said Gordon.
The last stop on the mayor's tour was at the house of Stella Lottering in Blanco. Lottering feeds 85 people three times a week.
To support the nutritional centres, phone 044 802 2000.
Veronique Ferndale; Mayor Leon van Wyk; the very pleased soup kitchen owner, Dina Witbooi; Clr Brendon Adams and Yuleen Campher in Rosedale.
Rosina Gordon told Van Wyk that she has been feeding her community for 30 years.
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