Pip Ratcliffe is one of the Stellenbosch residents that supports the Heartflow coupon system, she gifted two coupons to a homeless man and his friend.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (17 January 2020) – On the 15th of March 2019, the Stellenbosch Municipality launched an innovative coupon system which allows people to hand out coupons to the homeless they meet on the streets. These coupons can be redeemed for a warm blanket, a hot meal or a nights shelter.
They teamed up with HeartFlow, Straatlig and the Stellenbosch Night Shelter to make the project a reality. HeartFlow has successfully been running a coupon programme for some time encouraging people to instead hand out coupons over money or food. Straatlig works with the homeless and destitute in Stellenbosch through mentorship, workshops and offers to counsel to those in need.
The Stellenbosch Night Shelter caters to the oldest and most impoverished in the community. They offer a safe space to those in need.
The new coupon system allows people to give a hand up instead of a handout. Pip Ratcliffe did just that and got to see the joy the coupon brings first hand.
The coupons can be bought for R10.00 and redeemed against a meal, a night at the shelter or a blanket.
“Yesterday I was stopped at the traffic lights in Stellenbosch and was asked for money by a homeless man. When I asked if he would accept a Heartflow voucher for a meal/shelter/blanket, he gave me the biggest smile and said absolutely yes but could I also give a voucher for his friend (begging across the road) I gave him vouchers for the both of them.
As I drove off, I saw in the rearview mirror this guy leaping in the air waving at his friend and kissing the vouchers. It clearly made a big difference to his day. This initiative is really something all Stellenboschers need to get behind to help with our every increasing homeless problem. The vouchers are only R10 each. Please give it a go!”
You can purchase the coupons here.
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