Everyday South Africans are leading the way to change and feeding the nation; CoronaCare launched shortly after the lockdown and has worked wonders!
South Africa (13 May 2020) – On the eve of President Ramaphosa’s first speech when he addressed the nation on the spread of the novel coronavirus, an appeal was made to all South Africans that “those who have resources, those who are healthy, need to assist those who are in need and who are vulnerable”.
CoronaCare was set up off the back of this powerful statement. It was initially formed with the intention of collecting funds and donations and distributing them to vulnerable communities. In less than a day, the founders realised there were better ways for them to contribute to the fight. CoronaCare quickly became a collaborative platform for concerned South African citizens and businesses to be able to support organisations on the ground fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through social media and their online presence, CoronaCare has become a centralised and safe place for individuals to have a nationwide reach and impact with their donations.
To date, they have reached over 80 organisations across all nine provinces, distributed well over 100,000 meals and vouchers and received over R2 million worth of essential items for distribution and over R1 million in donations.
“Currently, we are assisting hard-working organisations with food relief parcels, food vouchers or monetary donations to continue their fight in providing food and essential goods to their communities,” said Daniel Harrisberg, one of the co-founders of CoronaCare.
“We get approached every day by various organisations that have either maxed out their reach, slipped through the system or are not able to make the pivot required in order to now raise funding to feed 100s if not 1000s of people daily,’’ said Harrisberg.
Masibulele Educare Centre in Khayelitsha was one of the beneficiaries of CoronaCare’s Support, where 100 children and their families as well ten teachers were assisted with food parcels, educational material and cleaning products.
“We had nothing to eat and no hope, but you guys gave hope back to us. Today we have food, there are smiles in our family and its all because of you guys. You have shown us the meaning of love and unity,” said Nwabisa, the principal of Masibulele Educare Centre.
From old age homes to creches, to waste recyclers and new mothers, CoronaCare has been able to connect those who want to help with those most in need. It has been true Ubuntu in Action – the CoronaCare motto.
Big Brands giving big
CoronaCare has received consistent support from corporates, big brands, individuals, and other charities to offer their skills, resources, products and contacts to the cause, meaning around 15 new organisations are supported every week.
“We have had huge donations from the likes of Lindt, Pepsico and fast food chains. Lindt donated 22,000 easter bunnies and Pepsico donated 4 truckloads of chips and snacks,” said Harrisberg.
CoronaCare is now working on a nationwide store level logistics operation with Hungry Lion which will provide 1000s of meals over a few days.
“CoronaCare was the answer to our question, the solution to our concern, and thanks to them we were able to direct our efforts once again towards relieving our communities’ plight in this time of crisis. We salute you, and hope to inspire other businesses to open their hearts and help our nation,’’ said Denise Neethling, the Senior Communications, PR and CSI Manager from Hungry Lion.
Artists DJ and draw in support of CoronaCare
CoronaCare is proud of the number of campaigns, particularly from musicians, that have been run in their name. They have been supported by the likes of Black Coffee when he played a globally streamed live set and raised around $7,500 for them.
They also partnered with DJ Oskido on his Legends Live campaign where he managed to raise around R90,000 over two weeks. Other artists have come on board too, such as illustrator Koos Groenewald, who started a campaign called #coronacommissions whereby artists draw commissioned artwork for a donation in the name of CoronaCare.
Planting seeds of growth
CoronaCare is currently looking into long-term sustainable feeding projects such as urban gardens. They believe the impact of COVID-19 on our economy will be long felt and focusing on food security that lasts long after the food packages have dried up is a wise investment of time and money so that communities can eventually feed themselves. They are seeking partners to support this initiative.
“It has been incredible to see what is possible when we all fight for the same cause. We want to continue to work with grassroots organisations and help shine a light on the miraculous work that they do. They are the true heroes in this story,’’ said Harrisberg.
You can find out more about CoronaCare via their website here.
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