The Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled (CTAPD) is hoping to increase the number of beneficiaries of its Buckets of Hope project – an annual initiative to help their most vulnerable clients.
The Bridgetown-based organisation distributed 200 buckets filled with non-perishable food last year, and has increased its target to 250 this year.
However, they can only do it with the help of the public.
Fatima Martin, a social auxiliary worker at CTAPD, said distribution takes place every December, and has appealed to organisations, schools, or individuals to contribute to this cause.
“They can either donate non-perishable food, like rice, porridge, tinned food, or make a cash donation. Each bucket is valued at R150. Our organisation works with people who come from the most vulnerable areas. Some are so destitute that they do not even have a daily meal,” Ms Martin said.
Last year, three neighbouring schools helped CTAPD to meet its target in record time.
The three schools – Bridgeville Primary, Cypress Primary, and Star College Boys’ High School – collectively contributed to 170 of the 200 buckets. Ms Martin has appealed to other schools to be part of this project.
“It was so sweet that the children from Bridgeville Primary decorated their buckets so nicely. What was even more special, was that some of the children wrote encouraging messages and pasted it onto the buckets.
“There are a lot of people who need this, and we are all part of this community.Therefore I would like to encourage everybody to get involved. We also have a food bank throughout the year,” Ms Martin said.
Wilfred Diedricks, the chief executive officer of the CTAPD, said his organisation’s core focus is to develop people.
“We are an inclusive organisation. We have 850 clients at the moment, and many need this. However, our initiatives over the years, have helped so many people find employment and become self-sustainable, and this is what our ultimate aim is,” Mr Diedricks said.
If you can assist by donating a non-perishable food item, or cash, call the CTAPD at 021 637 1204 or Ms Martin at 084 505 9947.