The Stellenbosch Municipality gave its support to Mandela Day celebrations at various events on Monday 18 July, backing especially Heartflow’s Give Responsibly initiative.
Deputy Mayor Jeremy Fasser also joined the Stellenbosch FC at the Mandela monument at the City Hall in honouring local sport clubs from the 13 Stellenbosch communities for their contribution through sport in their communities.
When you encounter people in town who need help it’s often hard to know what or how much to give. Can your R5 really make a difference? Sometimes it’s easier to look away than to engage – avoiding awkward or uncomfortable exchanges completely.
Perhaps you’re irritated by the intrusion on your day, overwhelmed by the sheer number of people in need, or want to help but are unsure of the best way to make a difference.
This is exactly what prompted Stellenbosch resident and Heartflow founder Charl Reyneke to explore an effective alternative to helping people who have turned to begging in to survive.
The reality is that people can collect enough money through begging to avoid starvation (just), but not enough to change their situation. Often too, money is spent on alcohol or drugs as they try their best to escape the reality of life on the streets.
Heartflow’s Give Responsibly initiative, which is endorsed by the Stellenbosch Municipality, produces coupons that can be exchanged for a nutritious meal or a night’s stay at the Stellenbosch Night Shelter.
It is an easy and effective way to help. Simply buy paper-based coupons from participating shops and pass them on to homeless people instead of offering money.
“We want to foster kindness, mutual respect and dignity during encounters between people in need and the general public,” says Reyneke, “while providing the opportunity for beneficiaries to receive further support.”
This is the long-term goal of the Heartflow programme. As coupon recipients exchange their coupons for food or shelter they are able to connect with NGOs and partnering organisations in order to receive additional support and services.
This Mandela Day the municipality asked that people please support Heartflow and give responsibly by purchasing coupons at any one of Stellenbosch’s participating outlets (the logos are listed on the website). For more information visit www.heartflow.org.za.
Are you a business owner who would like to become actively involved in the Give Responsibly campaign by selling coupons?
Interested parties/potential vendors can contact Michelle Aalbers on Michelle.Aalbers@stellenbosch.gov.za or the Heartflow team at www.heartflow.org.za.
