Operation Winter Warmth goes national

SAKEENA BOCK

SANZAF’s signature seasonal project, Operation Winter Warmth will be launched nationally at all its offices in South Africa, In Cape Town, we have identified a needy school on the Cape Flats in a poverty stricken area with a community faced with many adverse social issues such as gangsterism, abject poverty and a high rate of unemployment. The cold spell across the country renders many of the most disadvantaged communities vulnerable to the cold.

On June 12 at 11am SANZAF will light up the lives of some 1078 learners at Levana Primary school in Lavender, ranging from Grade r right up to Grade 7 with 1078 learners with receiving a woolly scarf, beanie and a pair of warm gloves.

In addition to this each learner will receive a hot meal and re chargeable lamps which will be issued to some of the neediest learners who have no option but to learn by candle light at night because they have no electricity at home.

This is one of the many ways that SANZAF extends its hand of compassion to those that are destitute and forgotten.

Are there any of us who can enjoy the warmth within our own homes in the cold of winter without a care for those who have no protection from the cold?

Somehow, directly or indirectly, we all know someone who is afflicted by the terrible cold and stormy weather this winter. The rights of the destitute include the right to be sheltered from the hash elements of nature.

This year the operation focuses specifically on deserving school children in various communities in the Western Cape. Our objective is to provide deserving school children with a woolly beanie, scarf and gloves to protect them from the cold.

Your contribution of at least R50 of Charity will help these children focus on their mental tasks at school instead of the cold biting at their bodies.

The aged in our community are also particularly vulnerable to the cold weather. Chances are we all know an aged person who fits the above description. Thousands of our aged in countless informal settlements in old age institutions is afflicted by terrible cold this winter. They have little or nothing to keep them warm.

For those who are at the mercy of the elements of nature it is not a matter of comfort or convenience, but a matter basic health or even survival. For some a hot water bottle, a flask and a warm blanket could make a very big difference.

Further information on the operation is obtainable from Egshaan Ariefdien: 021 4470297

For more information about the organisation, visit www.sanzaf.org.za or call 021 6380965 or 021 4470297 Banking Details are as follows: Account holder: SANZAF  Standard Bank , Branch Code: 025909 Account number:  072 792 191