Big business shows big heart for the needy

WHILE the Covid-19 pandemic has robbed many of their livelihoods and left thousands without food and basic necessities, it has also revealed the compassionate nature of those who are able to help ease the burden.

One such example is Schoonhoven Enterprises, who this week donated a generous amount of money to be used to address the needs of locals struggling to put food on the table.

‘We are blessed as a company to enjoy the support of customers at our various business interests and wanted to give back in appreciation,’ said Group CEO, Freddy Schoonhoven.

‘Through the Zululand Observer’s DICE (Do I Care Enough?) charity we were connected with the local branch of the SA Red Cross Society, from whom we purchased 150 substantial food parcels for widespread distribution to most needy persons identified across the city.’

The Red Cross ‘Covid-19 Care Packages’, valued at R350 each, come in a branded 20-litre storage bucket, decorated with information on the virus and how to limit its spread.

Each pack comprises: 1x10kg maize meal, 1x5kg rice, 2x1kg dry beans, 1kg salt, 1kg sugar, 1x750ml Sunflower oil, 4x100ml sanitisers, 4 bars of soap and 4 rolls of toilet paper.

‘We were adamant that the provisions did not leave the area and Red Cross committed to the distribution, partnering with DICE and AfriSoc (African Solidarity Campaign), an association linked to refugees and asylum seekers, which is making a determined effort to integrate with and support local communities,’ said Freddy.

With a long waiting list of beneficiaries, the three distribution teams wasted no time in each handing out 50 parcels on Monday.

Along with the

Schoonhoven hampers, AfriSoc and its helper community also gave out 200 loaves of bread, while ZO staffers transported DICE parcels to rural recipients.

Recipient Nothando Ngcobo (extreme left) with the sponsors and distributers of the 150 food parcels: Mmindje Kabakilwa Steven - AfriSoc, Sibusiso Mahlangu - Red Cross, Freddy and Jean Schoonhoven – Schoonhoven Enterprises with Omari Mwamba – AfriSoc Dave Savides

On behalf of Schoonhoven Enterprises, Red Cross Society members Sibusiso Mahlangu (middle) and Siyabonga Hlatshwayo (right) delivered 50 food buckets and 50 bags of maize meal to Zululand Observer representative Wiseman Mthiyane and DICE operations manager Karen Dalton on Monday Richard Springorum

Balindile Nkwanyana of Emankwanyaneni Reserve was thrilled to receive one of the parcels Muzi Zincume