In the festive spirit of the upcoming holiday period, Isuzu Motors South Africa has partnered with Love Story, a non-profit organisation, to package and deliver 600 buckets containing grocery essentials to less privileged communities within Gqeberha.
The initiative comes at a time when community members are in need of such assistance, especially given the challenges and impact of COVID-19. Each bucket is filled with non-perishable items and treats.
Phumla Dyafta, Likusasa Lomama Project Manager, says the situation in their community has been dire, “We used to feed less than 100 people a day and it would mainly be women who cue for a meal, but now things have changed. We now plate for more than 300 people a day, we have seen a rise in men who come for a meal, and people who have lost their jobs. These buckets will make a huge difference to these families over this period.”
Faced with the many challenges, the needs in the community have changed and many are now faced with poverty and no hope of employment. Tracey Watson, Love Story Funding Coordinator says they try to identify community members who are making a difference by running kitchens in their communities.
“We try and partner with formal business so that we partner them with needy communities, communities that need the intervention. Companies like Isuzu come on board and we are able to link them up with a community project that seeks to address some of the urgent societal issues such as hunger,” said Watson.
Isuzu has been a long-time corporate partner of initiatives that seek to uplift and benefit our local communities. As a corporate resident of Gqeberha, it is a business imperative for us to be part of the long-term sustainable solutions that will address some challenges our communities face.
Mandlakazi Sigcawu, Executive, Corporate and Public Affairs at Isuzu says, “Our intention is that each bucket brings blessings and hope to each family, especially during this holiday period when families are together. What may seem a small gesture to some of us may make a huge impact on some of the homes that we are able to reach through this partnership. On behalf of Isuzu, we wish everyone a safe festive season.”
