The Stormers rugby team on Thursday put their muscles to good use when they helped unpack a ton of food delivered by Pick 'n Pay’s Feed the Nation campaign at the Neighbourhood Old Age Homes (NOAH) in Woodstock.
The Stormers have partnered with the supermarket chain to help create awareness and raise funds for Feed the Nation, which is supporting hundreds of vulnerable communities during the Coronavirus lockdown.
The players, including captain Siya Kolisi, Steven Kitshoff, Scarra Ntubeni, Damian Willemse, Dillyn Leyds, Nama Xaba, Kwenzo Blose and Chris van Zyl, offloaded the truck, which contained 1354kg of kos, at NOAH.
GOOD WORK: Siya Kolisi helps offload the kos in Woodstock. Video: Armand Hough/ANA
Anne Dobson, NOAH Director, said that given their increased vulnerability, she was pleased that the elderly were being supported.
“We are thrilled that the DHL Stormers, right at the top of the attraction list, have recognised and included them in their support.
“What a powerful and far-reaching way to use their influence,” she said.
Each player has also personally donated money, and collectively handed over R50 000 towards Feed the Nation, which to date has raised R52.2 million.
NOAH supports more than 750 pensioners who rely on social grants of R1860 per month.
HELPING: Siya, Steven, Scarra, Damian and Dillyn. Video: Armand Hough/ANA
Dobson says: “In this time of the pandemic, we are focusing on providing information and protective supplies, food security and healthcare.
“Beneficiaries have been tasked with informing their households, children and grandchildren about the virus so they can play their part in minimising the spread.”
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said assisting vulnerable communities in times of need is important.
“This means a lot and that is why we are driving this kind of movement,” the skipper said.
“I am hoping this does not end after Covid-19, and we keep on doing this because there will still be people struggling. The pandemic just amplified how bad it is.”
GOOD WORK: Siya Kolisi helps offload the kos in Woodstock
Suzanne Ackerman-Berman, the transformation director at Pick * Pay, says their Feed the Nation campaign originated from a need to support those left most vulnerable during this crisis, especially old-age homes and children who do not have access to feeding schemes.
“By supporting organisations like NOAH, they can continue to focus their full attention on caring for our elderly citizens, who are the most vulnerable at this time.”