The portion of the South African population that suffers from hunger continues to grow as a result of the national lockdown. Stats SA recently reported* higher levels of hunger based on the results of a series of online web-based surveys. Roughly 11,4% (roughly one out of every ten) of the respondents whose income had decreased during lockdown reported that they have experienced hunger during the lockdown.
“As a way of giving back to our local communities, RE/MAX will be running our annual Coats & Cans drive where people can drop off warm clothing and non-perishable food items at our participating offices across the country. We also encourage the public to make donations of pet blankets and pet food. At the end of Winter, the collections will be dropped off at various NPOs, shelters and animal welfare organisations across the country,” explains Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
If you do not have a participating RE/MAX office nearby, there are other ways you can give back during this pandemic. Below, RE/MAX of Southern Africa suggests a few ways to help your fellow man over this season:
1. Raise funds by shopping wisely
These days, many companies donate a portion of the sales price to a charitable cause on their patrons’ behalf. The My School My Village My Planet card is just one example of this. By swiping your card at any of the partner stores, a percentage of your purchase value goes to the school or charity you choose at no cost to you. Some fast food outlets also ask to add an extra R2 to your total to donate towards feeding the hungry.
2. Think near, not far
For those who can afford to do so, add a little extra to anyone who is providing you with household services, such as a garden service or a domestic worker. Continue to pay their monthly wages even if lockdown restrictions or other unforeseen circumstances prevent them from being able to come to your home.
3. Make an extra sandwich
Multiple local feeding schemes have popped up in response to this crisis. Most are as simple as making a few extra sandwiches a week or donating a pocket of potatoes. Depending on the organisation, there will either be a local drop-off point or somebody from the organisation will come to collect your donations. To find a feeding scheme you can support, search through local social media pages.
“We are living through circumstances unlike we’ve ever lived through before. I encourage all South Africans to do what they can to give back to those in need, especially as we continue to fight this pandemic. Together, we can rise above this crisis,” Goslett concludes.