Lending a hand to those who need it most

AND they feed, for the love of the Creator, the indigent, the orphan and the captive. No reward do we desire from you, nor thanks.”

This has been local charity Mustadafin Foundation’s motto in providing services for the past 31 years in the Western and Eastern Cape.

This year, under the theme “Ramadaan in the heart of winter”, the foundation will offer services such as community development, health care, poverty alleviation and disaster relief in the poorest areas.

For many years, Ramadaan has taken place during the middle of winter. This drought in the Western Cape has also left rural communities as far as Beaufort West, and Chatsworth in Malmesbury, with little or no water.

“Fasting teaches us patience, unselfishness, and gratitude. When we fast, we feel the pains of deprivation and hunger and learn how to endure it patiently. It is the month to visit the poor, the sick, and the needy to share their sorrows. It is the month where the food, sustenance and the earnings of a believing Muslim increase, and they are blessed,” said Mustadafin director Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem.

This is a busy period for the foundation as the organisation reaches out to thousands of destitute people who it feeds daily. The foundation hosts “mass iftars” where the entire community is invited to break their fast. People of all faiths can join in.

“We will also provide supper and breakfast for the 30 days at six of our centres. With the support of our communities in the past, we were able to assist many in the cold months of Ramadaan and clothed 1 000 children for Eid,” said Johnstone-Cassiem.

The foundation’s Ramadaan programme also caters to the communities of Parkwood, Hanover Park, Kewtown, Khayelitsha, Valhalla Park, Bonteheuwel, Netreg, Goodwood, Delft, Tafelsig, Montrose Park, Philippi, Manenberg, Fractreton, Beaufort West, and Montagu.

“Help us in maintaining our services by providing to those who are less fortunate. The organisation also accepts donations,” said Johnstone-Cassiem. Items needed include food parcels, winter packs, blankets and clothes for Eid.