WATCH: Dutch Reformed Church reaches out to help to feed jobseekers and homeless
The Dutch reformed church does this by serving jobseekers who are mostly in every corner of Alberton, and the homeless, with a delicious soup which is served weekly.
FOR the past 12 years, this congregation has been serving its regular visitors with prepared meals as well as providing them with clothes and blankets.
The congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church Alberton South in Raceview has made it their mission to care for those in need.
They serve jobseekers, mostly in every corner of Alberton, and the homeless, with delicious soup. On a normal day, they serve about 40 to 60 people.
The idea initially came up with the church’s former priest’s wife, Iva Strauss. She saw a need to help the underprivileged, providing them with meals to keep them going through the day.
The church’s kitchen soup is financially sustained by the congregation and other community members who also graciously donate food products.
According to Amanda Human, the secretary at the church, the community plays a huge role in making a difference to their kitchen.
“For the five days in the week, the kitchen has a dedicated team of people who take their turn to help serve the less fortunate.
WATCH:
“We mostly rely on the people that sponsor us. Some go as far as getting mugs for us which are used to serve soup.
“We are thankful to those who continually help us in this good cause,” she said.
Rita Beukes, a volunteer at the soup kitchen, commented: “I have been serving at the kitchen for as long as it existed. At one stage we would give job seekers coffee and sandwiches, but that didn’t work out hence we went for a stationary kitchen from which we serve them.
“You feel so helpless when you see these people looking for a job. At least this in this way we make a difference.
Sipho Nkosi, who is a regular at the soup kitchen, residing in Germiston, said he was grateful for the help they received from the church.
“As jobseekers, we are thankful that the church helps us through this soup kitchen and everything is given free,”he said.
