Cape Town - The Hope Exchange non-profit organisation is planning to deliver over 10 000 meals to the homeless with their #Feed5000 campaign around Cape Town city centre this festive season.
The 44-year-old NPO is getting ready to serve over 10 000 meals between December 10 and January 15 to the homeless and others in need in central Cape Town.
Over the festive season, the main feeding scheme in the CBD takes a break, and as the city bowl quietens down in general during this time, food resources become limited for its vulnerable citizens.
The Hope Exchange director, Peter Solomon, said they have also partnered with Ladles of Love to ensure that nutritious meals will be prepared and served.
"Together with Ladles of Love, the Hope Exchange’s mission is for no one to leave hungry after entering the gates in Roeland Street on any day in the 5-week-long campaign period," he said.
He further mentions that since the launch of the #Feed5000 campaign in 2014, the organisation has grown substantially, and as the name indicates, it started with 5 000 meals, which have more than doubled over the years.
"Several gatherings, which are marked by festivity and an abundance of food. Not so for the homeless. This is why #Feed5000 is imperative for us at The Hope Exchange."
"The modest midday meal we provide at this time is often the only food of the day for a homeless person," Solomons said.
He also said the challenges of Covid-19 over the past few years had not deterred the campaign and the current cost-of-living crisis will not either.
Solomon highlighted that the growing number of homeless people due to economic impact was more than food and charity. Helping homeless people with basic needs and social support provides them with basic human dignity, in many instances preventing unfair judgement and assisting reintegration into society.
Besides donating and feeding people of Cape Town food, the organisation also has other projects, such as providing social enterprises and skills training for the homeless and those at risk.