Covid-19: City calls for donations

Pick n Pay stores will have trolleys at their stores for donations

The City is asking Capetonians to help society’s most vulnerable during the coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre is tapping into Cape Town’s NGO network to help the needy, including street people sheltering in tents at the Strandfontein sports field, the elderly, the frail and the poor.

The Disaster Risk Management Centre has set up a dedicated number, 021 597 6004, and email address, disaster.donations@capetown.gov.za, to ensure donations are made in compliance with lockdown regulations.

The South African Red Cross Society has also set up donation contact point. Call them at 021 797 5360 or email info.wc@redcross.org.za

Clean blankets in good condition are a top priority, and there are trolleys at Shoprite, Checkers and Pick n Pay stores where food donations can be dropped to make up food parcels.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith has asked that trolleys be made available for single donations of blankets. To donate more blankets, contact  the Disaster Management Centre or the Red Cross Society to arrange collection.

The City has compiled a list of recommended foods that can be donated:  2.5kg flour; 1kg powdered milk (no tea or coffee creamers); 1kg onions; 1kg carrots or other fresh vegetables; 500g macaroni or spaghetti,  410g of peanut butter; 750ml of cooking oil; 2.5kg maize meal; 400g pilchards; 300g corned beef; 500g dried soup mix; 7kg potatoes; 250g instant coffee; 500g lentils; 1kg rice; a bottle of bleach; 450g jam; 500g salt; 1litre long life milk; 1kg oats; 2.5kg samp; 500g soup powder; 250g textured vegetable protein (soy mince); 410g beans or sweetcorn; 100 tea bags; 10g yeast; 2.5kg sugar; canned mix vegetables; 500g sugar beans; and or fresh vegetables.

Donors should check the integrity of food packaging and be conscious of food safety.

Packaged food should be donated in the original, unopened packaging with ingredient labels. Don’t donate dented and or rusted canned foods; food in crushed boxes, opened or torn packaging and or leaking packaging.

Mr Smith said: “The Covid-19 pandemic is unrivalled in terms of its impact, not just in terms of the threat to human health, but it has also inflicted unprecedented economic hardship on so many in our country, and in fact many countries around the world.

“However, what has become apparent in the last week is the sense of solidarity between South Africans and the willingness to help others.”

He said Cape Town had an established track record as a very giving city and he appealed to residents who were able to spare something extra to help where they could.