Barloworld brings relief to Alexandra crèches

The 100,000 meal packing challenge produced the same number of meals for Stop Hunger Now, some of which are being distributed to day care centres and early learning centres (ELCs) in Alexandra, Johannesburg. So far Barloworld's efforts has had an impact at about 20 crèches where there is a dire need for assistance.

The project not only aims to fight hunger, but also to minimise health risks by encouraging the crèche to save the money they would have spent on food and to invest it back into the upkeep of the establishment, for example on sanitation.

Desire to change lives

The epic goals and partnership are based on a real desire to change lives at a fundamental level and contribute to the communities in which they work, and were brought to life when the venture was initiated by Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa's logistics and procurement officer, Ntuthuko Dube, who approached Barloworld with the idea.

A week later Barloworld emptied out their basement warehouse, called on dozens of volunteers and hosted another food packing session at which a further 100,000 packs were generated.

"Barloworld believes volunteerism provides an ideal platform to put our values into action. We are committed to making a difference wherever we have a presence - and to understanding the challenges our communities face - because we want to contribute positively to society," said Sibani Mngomezulu, Barloworld's group executive for human resources, strategy and sustainability.

The meal packs are now delivered each month to three ELCs in Alexandra. The schools fit basic Stop Hunger Now requirements. They are not registered anywhere for social grants; most of the parents pay monthly fees (about R200); and are in need of assistance.

Assessing the situation

"We come in, assess the situation, do an audit and we hold them accountable. I ask them how much money they usually spend on pap which they no longer need because of the food packs, and ask them to put that aside. Then, once we have enough, we buy a fire extinguisher. After that we get a first aid kit. Then we look at sanitation and start saving for toilets based on the money saved," Dube explained.

The joy of receiving their monthly delivery of food packs was evident at Bonono Educare last week when Barloworld and Stop Hunger arrived with the 32kg boxes.

At the Ulwazi Early Learning Centre, principal Safarinah Tau said she had been receiving Stop Hunger Now deliveries for two years. "Our children are healthy, and we have so far bought a fridge and a stove," she said, adding that she hoped the help would carry on forever.

Mankele Mathebula, owner of Kwa Mankele Day Care, was overjoyed to see Dube and had her children ready to perform a small play for her Barloworld visitors. "Stop Hunger has maintained me for the past three years. Today I can feed my children - some of them seven days a week - and we have toilets," she said.