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NGOs appeal to business for lifeline

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Charities in Nelson Mandela Bay are bearing the brunt of the economic downturn, with a slump in donations amid a rising need among beneficiaries.

According to the Port Elizabeth based Children’s Feeding Trust, which feeds more than 1,000 children in the region daily, a downturn in donations is being exacerbated by an increase in hungry and abandoned children in the city.

“Reports from our beneficiaries are that more children being abandoned this year as people flock to the city seeking employment,” said Children’s Feeding Trust organising secretary Maureen van Staden during a donations drive at the weekend.

The trust’s financial assistant, Pat Mangold, said there was a dire need for businesses to step in amid a slump in donations as the public caved under climbing everyday costs such as for food and fuel.

“When the economy dips, our donations take a knock, which is why we’re always keen for new businesses to come aboard,” said Mangold. Van Staden said the trust relied mostly on donations from the public, with very little coming from organised business.

Joining the call for businesses to become more community minded was Jaco Rademeyer, owner of Jaco Rademeyer Estates. Embarking on a JRE charity drive this month, Rademeyer kicked off with a R500 donation to the trust.

“It’s really important for businesses to step up and take care of their communities, especially when there is such a big need,” said Rademeyer, who has also become known for his involvement in charity drives for animal welfare organisations in the region.

“When the economy takes a hit and children go hungry, then it’s up to businesses to dig deeper into their pockets to help families who are struggling,” he said.

Mangold said while the public always responded generously to the trust’s charity drives, “with food costs rising, some regular donors take a knock”.

The Children’s Feeding Trust has 13 beneficiaries stretching from the Bay to Humansdorp and Bushman’s River. It funds beneficiaries such as Santa Port Elizabeth, Inkosinathi and Ithemba, as well as various soup kitchens in poverty-stricken areas like Missionvale and Kleinskool.

To donate to the trust, call (041) 581-4371 during weekday mornings, or email cftrust@booksetc.org.za.

Pat Mangold
Jaco Rademeyer Estates owner Jaco Rademeyer (right) hands over a donation to Children’s Feeding Trust financial assistant Pat Mangold during the organisation’s street collection in Walmer at the weekend. Rademeyer has urged businesses to “dig deeper” amid an economic downturn which has seen a slump in charitable donations.
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.