Feeding the hungry in Cinderella Park
In continuing her late mother's legacy, a Cinderella Park resident has been feeding hungry children and adults of the area for more than a decade.
Odette Hoosen, the founder of Imfundumalo Nentokomalo Feeding Scheme, a non-profit organisation, is the daughter of the late Joyce Lenette "Tikky" Charlton who started the feeding scheme in 2006. After her death in 2008, Hoosen decided to continue feeding the indigent residents from various wards within the community.
“Initially we started off by feeding the children in the community and slowly started to feed the adults as well. We are currently feeding three wards, Ward 34 (Eastwood, Cinderella Park, Panorama, Thembalihle), Ward 38 (Glenwood) and Ward 35 (Sobantu and Willowton)," Hoosen said.
She added that one person walked all the way from France township to get a meal after hearing that they would be given food at her home.
“On a full day we have long spiralling queues which stretch into the neighbouring streets,” said Hoosen.
Initially Hoosen provided meals twice a week, but now is able to feed the hungry six times a week.
“Sometimes there are just so many people to feed that we have to turn some away, which is heart breaking,” Hoosen added.
When Public Eye visited Hoosen last week, not only were the lines long, but she was also giving away free school uniforms to those in need.
The uniforms from Russell High, Carter High, Eastwood Primary, Woodlands Primary, Linpark High and Panorama Primary School were donated by parents and pupils.
“These uniforms were donated to us by community members and a lady donated a full uniform in good condition with school shoes and a bag,” said Hoosen.
Libuseng Magashana, a parent and resident of Cinderella Park, said she had tried to save up some money to buy some of the uniform items for her daughter’s matric year.
“With only R500, I was not sure what I was going to get, but luckily I came here and found a shirt, pants and jersey,” said Magashana.
Many of the people who came for the hot meal also went through the school clothes and were shocked to learn that they were actually free.
Hoosen would like to thank the following donors for their contributions which help her to feed the community on a weekly basis:
Save Hyper, Owen Smit, Ridwaan Jacobs, Loll's Brake and Clutch, Elegant
Fuel Garage, Eastwood United Church, Pastor Walter Davenhill, Peter Briggs, Kaneez Catering, Salford Hyper, Deacon Ronald Knott and Lyndal Wilson.
Anyone who would like to contribute towards feeding the hungry can contact Hoosen on 069 411 4898, or make a donation into the following bank account:
Imfundumalo Nentokomalo Feeding Scheme,
Standard Bank,
Account number: 10139680096.