GEORGE NEWS - Eden Lions, in collaboration with the George Alert Team (Gat), is enabling George residents to sponsor food hampers for their loved ones, staff or domestic workers during the Covid-19 lockdown crisis.
Benefactors pay for a hamper, Gat volunteers buy the products and make up the parcels, after which it is distributed through official channels.
According to Carl van Blerk of Gat, the combined efforts of these volunteer organisations have resulted in excess of 400 substantial food packs being distributed throughout the region.
The other organisations that make up Gat are George Lions Club, Round Table, Rotary, Vryburgers, Moths and Love George NPC, while the distribution network includes George Municipality, the church network and the service clubs' distribution system.
Misunderstandings
Van Blerk stresses that this is a service that enables businesses or individuals to sponsor food parcels for people in need. "There was a misunderstanding about what is written on the poster advertising this service."
The project was questioned on social media by community activist Joanie Visagie over the weekend, after she saw a poster advertising the service.
Van Blerk says he understands why the poster can be misunderstood and that they are looking into the matter. The poster says that food parcels can be ordered via WhatsApp or e-mail. "The fact is that these food hampers can be bought [sponsored] by businesses and individuals to aid those in need."
He also notes that people cannot come to the Lions' clubhouse to collect a parcel.
The poster that was misunderstood by a local community activist.
You can sponsor food parcels
"If your staff need assistance, or your domestic worker is now in need, you can make contact with the club and obtain details to have a food pack delivered for a donation towards the costs," says Van Blerk.
Further donations to ensure the continuation of food packs are requested, at a cost of R600 for the large parcels - that can sustain a family of five for a minimum of a week - and R300 and R150 for smaller packs.
Those who want to sponsor a family during this crisis can contact the Lions at foodaid@edenlions.org.za or 082 826 0731 (WhatsApp only) for further details.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
