The government’s decision to delay the opening of schools to February 15 to give the second wave of Covid-19 infections time to ebb means a southern suburbs civic group has more time to help needy pupils before they go to class.
The Naruna Estate Residents’ Association (NERA), a registered non-profit, is appealing to the public to support its Back To School 2021 Campaign to buy stationery, books, shoes and other needs for children who don’t have.
They are asking for cash donations or Shoprite gift cards and will do the stationery shopping at Shoprite in Southfield according to each child’s needs.
Meanwhile, the group continues to feed the needy in the community every Thursday and Sunday.
“We can only continue doing this with the help of others, and we thank everyone who has supported us since we started this feeding scheme in August,” said Beverley Strong, the association’s deputy chairwoman.
In December, the volunteers, with help from the public, held a Christmas party for the those children and seniors in the community who had been hard hit by Covid-19. Ms Strong said there had been an overwhelming response from the public to the association’s appeal for gifts and treats.
On Saturday December 19, excited children’s chatter filled the beautifully decorated scouts hall in Plumstead. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was a “walk through” party: the children collected food, drinks and their gift from a physically distanced Father Christmas, Warwick Morgan.
On Christmas Eve, the volunteers served chicken and salads to senior citizens and distributed gift bags.
Ms Strong thanked all those who had made the event possible through their donations and support.
One of them was Sarah Meyer, 10, who grew succulents to sell to raise money for charity. After going through one year’s back issues of the Constantiaberg Bulletin, Susan chose two charities to support, one of them was the NERA.
If you can help, call Beverley Strong at 074 341 8252, or email BeverleyStrong@milu.co.za