Charity set to feed 11 500 on Eid

THE Asa Majeed Learnership Centre in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, is preparing to host its biggest feast yet.

The non-profit organisation says it’s expecting to serve more than 11500 people on Eid.

This after it hosted a massive event over the weekend, feeding more than 5000 people, as part of its Ramadaan feeding initiative in Tafelsig and surrounding areas.

The Muslim centre, which has been in existence for 10 years, began its feeding scheme last year during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The centre’s chairperson, Zane Rinquest, said: “Our trustees realised that there was a greater need for cooked meals to be provided to the community and from this need, we started our 2020 Ramadaan feeding scheme. We have now evolved into a full-time feeding scheme as well as a learnership centre in the Tafelsig community.

“We are driven to assist communities in need because that is what we should be doing. It wouldn’t be right if we sat back and watched vulnerable people struggle. With the help of our donors, we have been able to stand strong even during the pandemic,” said Rinquest.

The centre’s feeding programme provides meals for 500 people, three times a week, though its partnership with a community soup kitchen run by a resident in the area.

“We have been fortunate enough to have cooked and provided more than 90000 meals from last year March to date.

“During the last 10 days of Ramadaan, we fed 2 000 people on the uneven days of Ramadaan as part of our Laylatul-Qadr drive, and on Sunday we fed up to 5000 people.”

“We intend to distribute to the surrounding areas where it is desperately needed, trying to ensure more people have a warm plate of food on Eid.

“We are so grateful to Aunty Fatima, her mom, and all those who selflessly agreed to cook for the community,” said Rinquest.

In efforts to expand its reach, the centre is looking at building a community centre in the area in partnership with the City.