George Municipality hosts thanksgiving lunch for Soup Kitchen volunteers
In the photo above are volunteers for Nutritional Centres and Soup Kitchens in the George area, officials sponsors and councillors who attended the annual thanksgiving in George.
Follow the link to the video:https://youtu.be/-_FaZgioadg
George Municipality’s Community Development Department hosted its annual thanksgiving lunch last week to honour the dedication of soup kitchen volunteers. The event, held at the George Banquet Hall, welcomed 90 volunteers from across the bigger George area, while a separate celebration was organised for approximately 20 volunteers at the Lyonville Community Centre in Uniondale.
Volunteers from various areas, including farms, Noll, and Haarlem, were recognised for their selfless service to the community in Uniondale.
Cllr Melvin Roelfse, MMC for Community Development, delivered the keynote address in George. He expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ hard work across the municipality’s 116 nutritional centres. “I feel so privileged to host this well-deserved annual thanksgiving lunch,” Roelfse said, acknowledging their sacrifices. “You are shining lights in a dark and violent world, a beacon of hope.”
He praised the volunteers for not only providing food to the most vulnerable but also offering emotional support through their smiles, hugs, and words of encouragement. “Despite facing your own challenges, you continue to push forward to assist those in need. We truly appreciate you,” Roelfse said.
Apostle Charlotte Togba, the motivational speaker, saluted the “aunties and uncles” for their unwavering commitment, assuring them that their efforts would be blessed.
The event included performances that uplifted the spirits of those present. Veronique Ferndale from George Municipality’s Soup Kitchens team sang a heartfelt rendition of The Goodness of God which features on the municipal video, while Jonel Kerspuy, Youth Office Coordinator, performed a spiritual dance. Cllr Charlotte Clarke concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
Woolworths, one of the event’s sponsors, treated the volunteers to perfume testing and provided gifts for a lucky draw. The volunteers also enjoyed a warm meal and beverages as part of the celebration.
George Municipality currently supports 116 fully functioning nutritional centres within its service area. These centres, operated by volunteers, provide three meals per week to vulnerable groups, including children, the chronically ill, and the elderly. Each centre receives a monthly food hamper from the municipality, enabling the preparation of over 20,000 meals per month. Some centres serve over 300 beneficiaries daily.
The centres also collaborate with local clinics to assist chronically ill adults, ensuring a holistic approach to care. Regular monitoring of the centres ensures the maintenance of quality service.
For any queries regarding the operation of the nutritional centres, the Community Development Office can be contacted at 044 802 2000.
Photos:
Cllr Charlotte Clarke, Apostle Charlotte Togba (motivational speaker) and Veronique Ferndale at the event.
Volunteers of the Soup kitchens or Nutritional Centres in the Uniondale areas, officials and Cllr Jarques Esau who attended the thanksgiving lunch for Soup Kitchen volunteers in Uniondale.
Some of the volunteers present at the George event.
Some of the volunteers at the George event.
Jonel Kerspuy performing a spiritual dance at the event.
Some of the volunteers and Cllr Melvin Roelfse lit candles in remembrance of soup kitchen volunteers that have passed on. From left are Stella Lottering, Rosie Tose and Jeanette Cornelius. To their right is Veronique Ferndale.
Dawn Folding from Woolworths at the Garden Route Mall hands over the first prize of the lucky draw to Anna Petersen from Protea Park. With them are Veronique Ferndale and Cllr Melvin Roelfse.