As the festive season approaches, many start gearing up for the holidays by stocking up on presents and cooking mountains of food.  A lucky few receive time off from work and enjoy a period of relaxation, copious amounts of food and much quality time and laughter with their loved ones.

In South Africa, where one of the largest wealth and inequality gaps across the world exists, it becomes easy to forget that not everyone has the same experience during this time of year, especially when we are one of the few lucky ones. In fact, for many the festive season, and all that it comes with, can act as a burden. With primary breadwinners in many families across South Africa taking strain as children no longer receive complementary meals from school, which they usually would, accompanied by being out of work for that time of year. Resources run low and there is no additional support to help provide for the household. 2020, having been an exceptionally different year, saw many workers lose their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, making this particular festive season even harder on some than usual.

The Affinity Group and 10000 STRONG have realised this social issue and decided to help in any small way that we saw possible. As a result, the generous staff from The Affinity Group pulled together to raise funds in order to provide every child from Isihlangusabasha Primary, one of 10000 STRONG’s partner beneficiary schools in KwaNgcolosi, with a food parcel to take home to their families over this particularly difficult festive period.

The parcels consisted of basic food supplies that could assist in taking strain off the families of the 459 learners that attend the primary school. The parcels were delivered just before the schools officially closed for the holiday period. 10000 STRONG received wonderful feedback from the school’s principal and educators, who emphasized the way in which this small gift would help the families of the learners.

Remember that every bit of support given to someone in need goes a very long way this time of year and looking out for one other is essential. As Desmond Tutu had said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” 10000 STRONG has identified the value of helping others, especially in times when hardships and inequality prevail more than usual.

Let us be encouraged to be mindful of your blessings and share them where we can.

#10000Strong

Rianka van Antwerpen