Hundreds of citizens in Nelson Mandela Bay’s disadvantaged communities have had some cheer brought into their lives thanks to the annual initiative between SPAR Eastern Cape and Love Story.
For the second year in a row, SPAR has joined hands with the charity organisation to ensure that those living on the poverty line are not forgotten during the festive season.
The Bags of Blessings and Festive Feed programmes are running simultaneously this week, with food hampers being handed out and meals supplied to several communities.
Love Story founder Elaine Watson said the need for initiatives such as this one was stronger than ever.
“Hunger and poverty statistics are staggering in our local communities,” she said. “Love Story exists as an organisation that feeds and clothes the destitute, but the need is far greater than we can manage.”
She added that their teams had spent Monday at the SPAR Distribution Centre, preparing the Festive Feed food and the Bags of Blessings parcels.
“We now go into four disadvantaged communities until Friday to serve meals to 200 people,” she added.
“We also provide Bags of Blessings, which are made up of non-perishable food items, to 250 families who are in desperate need.”
SPAR Eastern Cape promotions and advertising assistant Debadene Baatjies said it was another opportunity to show their support for the community.
“We are going into the season of giving but often it is so easy to get caught up in the festive period without taking the time to think about those who are less privileged than us,” she said.
“That’s why SPAR decided to go into the townships and feed families in different areas. It may not solve the problem, but it does help to provide upliftment for these people.”
Baatjies said they were grateful to their many suppliers who had donated products needed to make the initiatives successful.
She added that their relationship with Love Story was important to the overall operation.
“This is the second year that we are doing this with Love Story. They are already involved in the community and assist us in identifying the areas that have the biggest need.”
Watson said they were equally appreciative of the backing received from SPAR.
“We are blessed and honoured by one of the most generous organisations in the city,” she said.
“They always go above and beyond to support the community. We are delighted to be partnering with them again.”
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