Community radio station MFM held its bi-annual Winter Warm-up soup kitchen on Saturday morning.
MFM 92.6 staff giving soup and bread to the homeless as part of the community outreach programme, Winter Warm-up soup kitchen. PHOTO: Nyakallo Moleko
The Winter Warm-up outreach began early in the morning at the local taxi rank and came to an end once the food was finished. Hungry community members, the homeless, and people passing by were given a cup of soup together with bread and a can of cooldrink – all of which were supplied by Checkers.
MFM station manager Veronique Smal (30) said it is very important for community radio stations, particularly MFM, to give back to the community.
“When we tried this out the first time, we realised that there are a lot of people in dire need of food and this is just a small way of giving back to the community. It is very important that we try and give back to those in need,” said Smal.
According to the newly-appointed station manager, the Winter Warm-up soup kitchen reaches close to 150 people. “We send out emails to all the shelters and we tell the people walking past who are unable to go to shelters to simply come here,” she said.
MFM presenters handing out soup and bread to community members. PHOTO: Nyakallo Moleko
At present, only MFM staff members are involved in the project, however Smal said there are plans to involve students in the near future.
Tersia Deysel (33) from Stellenbosch was one of the people who enjoyed the soup and bread on Saturday. “This is a lovely surprise, it’s very good that they are doing this,” she said.
Charlotte Onyl (51) currently lives in Stellenbosch and was shocked that the food was free: “I heard the music and I came to see what was going on. This is very good and it’s great that they are looking after people who live in the streets and those that can’t afford to feed themselves.”
Community members after receiving soup and bread. PHOTO: Nyakallo Moleko
Onyl used to sleep by the Caltex garage until a security told her and her husband that it wasn’t safe. They are now living in a shack behind the police station, where she can lock her belongings.
The next Winter Warm-up soup kitchen will be held at the same location on the 10th of June. – Vonani Ngomana and Nyakallo Moleko