​SPAR share the love on Mandela Day

21 July 2016


SPAR Eastern Cape continued their commitment of giving back to the community when they joined Love Story to celebrate Mandela Day by assisting the less fortunate on Monday.
 
In a first for the company, the City Feed lunch initiative was launched in Fleming Street in the Port Elizabeth city centre when about 200 homeless people were provided with a hot meal.
 
SPAR were introduced to the concept by Elaine Watson of Love Story, an organisation which has set up feeding schemes in the city centre each day of the week.
 
“We were looking for an initiative whereby our SPAR ambassadors could get involved and assist in making a meaningful contribution to the community,” said SPAR EC sponsorship controller Roseann Shadrach.
 
“The City Feed made perfect sense as we could assist in the preparation of the meals, as well as serve the homeless people in our city centre.
 
“We felt that by helping the homeless we could ensure that they not only received a hot meal, but also had some of their dignity restored.”
 
The ingredients for the food, which ranged from peanut butter sandwiches to chicken stew, as well as cupcakes for dessert, were all provided by SPAR EC, with the staff of Love Story preparing the meals.
 
Staff members from both organisations assisted in serving the meals, which were much appreciated by the homeless.
 
Gelvandale’s Daryleen Adolf was overwhelmed at the opportunity to receive some sort of nourishment.
 
“We have to say thank you to SPAR for giving this food.
 
“Mandela Day is a very good day to give to people and to do great things for other people. So thank you.”
 
Liezel Filles, also from Gelvandale, was equally grateful.
 
Shadrach said the concept was “a huge success” and was not just about fulfilling an initiative for Mandela Day.
 
“We are always exploring new avenues to get involved within our community as we believe it is important to give back to those who support us.
 
“It was both a humbling experience and a pleasure to be able to serve food and beverages to the less fortunate.
 
“We were reminded to count our many blessings and to have a heart of servitude towards our fellow man.”