The Stellenbosch-based non-profit organisation (NPO), Usiko, is not only assisting vulnerable communities locally during lockdown, but has also provided food parcels to various communities in the Northern Cape.
“An incredible collaborative effort from volunteers in the community has resulted in over 1 400 food parcels distributed by Usiko and the Jamestown Food Drive campaign, to the most vulnerable families in Jamestown, Mountain View, Cloetesville and some surrounding farms,” said Arnold Okkers, Usiko’s executive director.
The Jamestown-based NPO is focused on mentoring and guiding at-risk young people who, according to its website, “encounter psycho-social challenges emanating in their communities”.
Okkers said the NPO also does food and clothing drives in the Northern Cape every year, as well as youth development work in that province.
From left to right: Volunteers Sanna Klaaste, Gert Strauss, Richard Jooste, Magdelena van Zyl, Arrie Syster, Ragel Syster, Martinus Klaaste standing with Northern Cape food parcels. PHOTO: Supplied/Usiko
Two Northern Cape communities contacted Usiko for assistance during lockdown. Okkers said they approached the HCI Foundation to support the Northern Cape communities.
“Usiko has an existing relationship with the HCI Foundation and the Lunchbox Fund who, together with eMedia, funded almost 1 000 food boxes in total for six communities in the Northern Cape,” said Okkers.
Food parcels were delivered to Kharkams, Klipfontein, Nababeep, Brandvlei, Colesberg and Keimoes, during May.
According to Okkers, Usiko got permits from the HCI Foundation and the Lunchbox Fund which allowed them to travel and deliver the food parcels.
“We also worked with the municipalities in the Northern Cape and got letters from them to visit their towns,” said Okkers.
A Northern Cape resident receiving food relief from volunteers Wilma de Souza (middle) and Sam-Juan Pietersen (right). PHOTO: Supplied/Usiko
Anelle Gordon, who joined Usiko on their trip to the Northern Cape, said at the beginning of lockdown she and her boyfriend Dean became more aware of poverty and how people would survive.
“Dean owns a car wash and his employees showed us what it means to be afraid of the unknown. We decided to start a drive for non-perishables. We posted a message about it – and so joined hands with Usiko,” said Gordon.
Usiko volunteers who helped distribute food parcels in the Northern Cape. PHOTO: Supplied/Usiko
Locally, Usiko worked with the Stellenbosch community and partner non-profit organisations, to help vulnerable families in Stellenbosch, said Okkers.
Usiko works with community organisations, does surveys locally, and also works with referrals from within the community to identify those in need, said Okkers.
Melissa Makillie, who runs Usiko’s aftercare programme, said it is an amazing project.
“Those receiving the food parcels are so appreciative; there were many ‘thank you’ and blessings passed on,” she said.
Usiko will continue with the food drive in the Jamestown area and the neighbouring farms until at least September, said Okkers.
“We will monitor the situation closely and make decisions going forward,” he said.
Here’s a look at how Usiko Stellenbosch has been supporting communities during lockdown. SOURCE: HCI Foundation Facebook