Celebrities and sports stars are doing their bit to help ease the plight of South Africans during the national Coronavirus lockdown.
Recently Cheslin Kolbe, Wayde van Niekerk, Scarra Ntubeni, Justin Geduld, Siv Ngesi, Damian Willemse, Craig Barry and Clayton Blommetjies all assisted the Be the Difference Foundation in preparing and handing out meals for close to 1500 children and adults.
The foundation has been providing meals in areas such as Kraaifontein, Strand, Franschhoek and Ravensmead every day for the past six weeks since lockdown started in late March.
Granthem Abrahams, the CEO of the foundation, says the feeding scheme forms part of their socio-economic programmes and he is heartened by the celebs and athletes’ willingness to assist.
PASS: Damian Willemse handing out bread
“Be The Difference Foundation runs three socio-economic programmes: Development through Sport, Education Development and Nutritional Development,” he explains.
“The areas we are currently feeding are areas we fed even before national lockdown.”
The beneficiaries did not only get lekker meals, but also got to enjoy the company of the stars serving them.
The foundation is in its seventh year, and Granthem says the lockdown has seen an increase in the number of people needing help.
“The national lockdown has increased our numbers of people we have to provide meals for with the loss of income and people unable to do part-time work.
“No school means no meal so we have to step in and assist.”
PACK: The lovely food prepared for the recipients
Springbok rugby player Cheslin Kolbe, who has been named “Magic Feet” following his impressive winning try during last year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, and his equally famous Olympic champion cousin Wayde van Niekerk were among those serving meals.
Cheslin says he loves ploughing back into communities.
“Many people look up to me and many people approach me for help. I honestly want to try and help where I can,” says the Kraaifontein star.
“It has nothing to do about me or credit and I am not boasting or want acknowledgement for what I am giving back.
“Our people need us, together with Be The Difference Foundation, we are reaching out to various communities daily.”
Granthem thanked those keeping the foundation going for the past six weeks.
“Thanks to our sponsors, donors, family, friends, members and volunteers we are able to serve people daily over the last six weeks,” he says.