MORE than 3 500 families benefited from food programmes run by community organisations and Kouga Municipality last week.
Kouga Mayor, Horatio Hendricks, applau-ded the efforts of local groups and residents to get food to those who had lost their income due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
“The need is tremendous, especially as SASSA has not been able to assist the vast majority of those in need with official state-sponsored food parcels.
“Were it not for these community and municipal initiatives, our region would be facing a massive humanitarian crisis,” he said.
“Words are not enough to thank the many community groups, NPOs, NGOs, churches, schools, businesses and residents who have contributed to these relief programmes.”
He cautioned that there were many families-in-need who had not yet been reached and that food security would remain a concern across the region.
“It is our hope that these joint efforts will continue, so that no family in Kouga has to go hungry because of the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in.”
He said among the food parcels that were distributed last week were 700 packs secured by the municipality in partnership with donors in the private and community sectors.
“Many residents have also contributed to the programme and we would like to thank each one of them for their donations.”
He said donations needed included food (perishables or non-perishables welcome), soap, toiletries, blankets, clothes or anything else people may need during this time.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation, is asked to send a WhatsApp to 073 414 3124 and the municipality will arrange to pick it up.
Cash donations are also welcome and can be paid into the following account: First National Bank, branch code: 210515; account name: Mayors Intervention; account number: 62 082 103 591; reference: C19 & your surname..
