They are offering an essential service to their neighbours and this they do with love.
The soup kitchen is just one of the many services Julia tirelessly offers. Day one of lockdown saw her going about her usual business of collecting food for the soup kitchen, transporting the elderly to the clinic for much-needed medicine, collecting a donation of 140 crayon boxes and 140 colouring in books to help keep the children occupied, and helping others get around to collect their own food and essentials.
For this lockdown period they are following all the safety guidelines. They have masks, they have gloves, no more than five people in the soup kitchen at a time. And these five are spaced one metre apart, no waiting or congregating. They are offering an essential service to their neighbours and this they do with love.
Photo Credit: Josh Rubin
There were still many people walking around, drinking on corners, but they were in the minority. The bulk of the community were trying to stay within their own small space. Another community member said their family had the minimal to eat, but were committed to staying inside as much as they could to reduce their exposure to the virus.
She and her helpers do what they can to educate and feed, but it is not enough.
There is huge need in this township. Many parents work only a day or two a week, some not at all. These are the people who are wandering around. They are the hungry who are fed three times a week. These are the destitute who cannot stay in an empty house, with no lights, no toilets, and no water. She and her helpers do what they can to educate and feed, but it is not enough.
Julia’s wish, besides a million dollars falling into her lap, is that the government could employ the unemployed youth to spread the correct message about this virus. She wishes more people would open their hearts and remember them, many of them essential workers, your trolley porters, your petrol attendants, and your food industry workers, who have to venture out to keep you fed, filled up, and healthy.
We salute all South Africans who do this, not only in our time of need, but all the time, like Julia does.
Julia is a shining light in the many lives she enriches by giving of her time and transport. Many would not survive without the love she spreads in her community.
We salute all South Africans who do this, not only in our time of need, but all the time, like Julia does. Thank you all!
Compiled and Authored By: Michelle Pagel
Please submit your story to us HERE
For more positive and uplifting stories visit us at #ImStaying
GOOD THOUGHTS • GOOD WORDS • GOOD DEEDS
