WORDS: EDITORIAL TEAM IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK
As we continue to face the global challenge of Covid-19 and a national lockdown, we need to stand together and help each other. To date, Balwin Properties has helped hundreds of families in dire need as a result of the national lockdown.
Wastepreneurs, informal traders and car guards are among those most adversely affected through the national lockdown. Balwin Properties therefore decided to contribute funds towards Adreach’s Campaign that aims to support these informal workers and their families. Balwin’s donation towards this national outreach will provide 1,000 of these families with food parcels and personal hygiene products.
Balwin also supported the #Hope4Alex campaign, donating funds for non-perishable food, basic medicine, soap and sanitisers for 10 of the most vulnerable families in the Alexandra Township. Following a request from Washpro, Balwin assisted with funds for food hampers for 20 of their Balwin Lifestyle Centre staff members and their families. In KZN, the company started the Balwin Foundation NPO Development Training Programme early in March, and NPOs were invited to submit their community projects during lockdown.
The foundation has so far supported the following:
- Nkobongo Resource Centre, which deals with orphans and vulnerable children. Balwin contributed funds for them to provide food parcels to 20 households in their local community during lockdown.
- The Sinikithemba Organisation improves the lives of orphans and vulnerable children and people affected and infected with HIV/Aids. Balwin donated funds towards food parcels for 10 families in KwaDukuza.
- The Siyakhula Creche approached Balwin for a donation towards food parcels for at least five families who rely on a regular income from washing, cleaning and gardening. These families now have no income and the food parcels will go a long way in helping them during this pandemic.
Social Workers at Patch Child Abuse Centre in Helderberg in the Cape may be working remotely, but they’re still taking on new cases, providing medical examinations after hours when needed and connecting virtually with their child clients every day. Balwin contributed funds towards food hampers for struggling families and data for the child clients which is crucial during this lockdown period.
Working with the dynamic team at Mfudumalo Foundation, Balwin provided food parcels for child-headed and single-parent households in Klipfontein View in Midrand as well as bread and food for orphans and the elderly in Mamelodi.
The company continues to receive requests from various organisations, ward councillors, community liaison officers and forums during the Covid-19 lockdown. They are on the ground and experiencing the desperate need for food in their communities. Balwin contributed funds towards a campaign initiated by the ward councillors in Waterfall area, Midrand.
Through this donation the team were able to purchase substantial food parcels which were handed out to families in the area.
MLEE received a report from a ward committee member, school governing chair and MLEE ward coordinator that at least a hundred families in the Diepsloot area are really struggling during lockdown. Balwin assisted by providing funds for the purchase of food parcels for these needy families.
With the demand for food and shelter at an all-time high, SPY Development in the Helderberg area in the Western Cape, has launched a Lockdown Emergency Relief Intervention to specifically address the needs of the homeless. Balwin donated funds towards clothes, blankets, food, cups and containers for the homeless in Helderberg.
