The month of May was a month that may or may not have happened, time is really elusive during Covid-19. It is a little like living in Groundhog Day. Most days are pretty much a repeat of the day before. No wonder we are not always sure which month or day we are dealing with.
However May did happen and we are so happy it did because not only were we given some more freedom to do more of what we wanted, such as wearing masks in public and social distancing. We could walk wherever and whenever we wanted to. More retail businesses were opened. So hopefully now more people will be able to work and bring a little relief to the sadly battered economy. It is amazing how much the little things matter now and how much we appreciate them.
Much more important, Red Bagels were able to continue spreading happiness to some very deserving causes. The need for assistance is dire and every day we get inundated with requests. Therefore whenever we are able to heed this call we are extremely humbled and blessed to do so.
This month we were privileged to assist two extremely deserving causes with their projects:
Afrika Awake- and The Angel Network
Afrika Awake is a charity was founded in 2013 and is based in South Africa. A main focus is assisting foreign nationals in South Africa, whose struggles are often even greater than those faced by locals. They also face the threat of recurring xenophobic attacks. Projects include helping with urgent needs such as food, clothes, accommodation, and schooling as well as more long-term challenges such as building homes and finding employment. At least half of the beneficiaries are refugees and asylum seekers living in South Africa.
In addition, Afrika Awake also assists South Africans in need, including the homeless, youth groups, shelters, crèches, and feeding schemes. One successful ongoing project is the small computer skills training centre in a KwaZulu-Natal township that employs a Congolese man to train local youths in computer skills, inspiring goodwill between both parties.
By focusing on our core values, we strive to continue investing in projects that uplift and inspire. Therefore we were proud to assist Afrika Awake.
Red Bagels were approached to assist in a project to supply Afrika Awake with funds to feed 100 people for 10 days, providing these people in our community with a nutritious meal each day. The people that were to receive our food parcels were from Kliptown, Soweto (The home of the famous Freedom Charter signed in 1955) and also to street dancers who have nothing. We are excited to report that with our donation the project was a huge success, surpassing the original goal. Feeding more people for longer periods of time.
Now about the project with the Angel Network and The R9million Fund for Food partnership with S.A.J.B.D and Cans. Red Bagels has worked with Glynne Wolman and the Angel Network before. So when we heard of this amazing initiative and collaboration we were very excited and honoured to offer a donation towards this exceptional and worthy project.
A little bit about the Angel Network first. It is a nongovernmental organisation which has helped to feed, clothe, house, and educate more than 30 000 citizens across six provinces since its establishment more than four years ago. “Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the needs have been overwhelming,” said Angel Network founder Glynne Wolman. “While we prefer to give a hand up, it’s currently all about handouts in order to save millions from dying of starvation. Never before has the need been so great from so many who have so little. This donation will give them hope and provide them with the lifeline they so desperately need.” “The extent of need is devastating,” says Wolman. “People literally don’t know how they are going to feed themselves. Our suppliers are travelling everywhere to deliver food. We just need to give them a name, cell phone number, and an address, and they’re there within a day.” People from across the spectrum are appealing to the Angel Network for help. Whatever their nationality or race, Wolman maintains that it’s imperative to assist them. The organisation has about 90 beneficiaries, through which it has provided for more than 80 000 people. “White, black, local, or foreigner, there is no divide in a situation like this,” she says. “People are people, and everyone has to eat. “We’re taking calls and managing distribution 14 hours a day. I have no ‘to-do’ list. The calls and messages start pouring in the moment the day begins. We’re all doing what we can under the circumstances.
The partnership will ensure that the Board can establish the most effective way of distributing supplies due to well-connected Angel Network. This is because the Angel Network is connected with various suppliers that are able to meet the charity’s needs.
Overall we had an extremely marvelous May after all. We spread our happiness and kindness to many more places and people and made a difference in the world. A very successful month.
Be the reason someone smiles today.
Have a beautiful day.
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