As the cold season approaches, we are once again reminded of families in need in communities around the Western Cape. Many families can struggle to feed themselves through this period.
The Eikestad Mall Donate-a-Can project aims to help eradicate hunger in the surrounding communities of Stellenbosch.
Marketing manager for Eikestad Mall, Wagner Nel, said they are encouraging students to participate. One can from each student can make a difference, he said.
Nel continued that “we are so fortunate to have meals everyday…it must be difficult to go to school hungry.”
When asked, some students did not know about the project.
Felicia Wells, a Biochemistry MSc student, said she needed to know more first before she could participate.
Another student, Tertia Mack (PGCE), said although she had a vague idea of the project, it sounded like something she would like to be a part of.
Launched in 2014, the project runs from 1 March to 31 May, every year.
Donate A Can meter set up in Eikestad Mall. PHOTO: WELILE MAKENA
The project’s partners include MFM, Rhodes Food Group and Fidelity among others.
MFM’s admin and finance manager, Natalie Jansen, said the station chose to get involved with the project because of its commitment to the community.
Students who participate stand the chance to win an MFM “goodie bag”.
Donate-a-Can collects canned food items and hands these over to NGO Feeding in Action. Feeding in Action then hands the items to families in need in Cloetesville, Klapmuts, Pniel and other surrounding areas.
According to the project organisers, in 2015 and 2016, the project collected 15 800 and
12 518 cans, respectively.
Here’s how you CAN
Eikestad Mall has set up Donate-a-Can collection bins at various locations inside the mall.
Step 1: Buy a can of any food item.
Step 2: Place the can in a Donate-a-Can collection bin.
Step 3: Encourage your friends and classmates to do the same.
It is possible to buys cans at very reasonable prices. The products below are Pick n Pay No Name and Checkers House Brand.
–Welile Makena
Prices of canned food valid as of 16 March 2017. INFOGRAPHIC: WELILE MAKENA