It brought more than just warm meals and blankets, but delivered a much-needed ray of hope on Saturday (7/6), as well as a powerful dose of compassion to the city’s most vulnerable communities.

The church members visited CTM, Polar Park, and Bergman to give soup, bread, and party packs as a form of giving hope to those in need. They successfully reached their target of a thousand people.

This programme was created to help working families dealing with everyday challenges as well as those in immediate need.

“Our objective is consistently to reach a thousand people wherever we go,” said the coordinator and founder of the drive, Gift Mhlanga. “It transcends merely distributing soup; it’s fundamentally about instilling hope and bringing smiles to people’s faces.”

Mhlanga, who started the initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic and has further joined up with The Salvation Army, envisions the drive as a growing force. “I know how it feels to struggle, so helping others fulfils my purpose in this world,” he said.

What sets the drive apart is the unique fundraising approach. Instead of only receiving money as a form of donation, they also thrive in receiving any contribution from people, no matter how big or small, he said.

The Salvation Army’s church reaches out to the Mangaung community. Photo: FS Online Network

Additionally, a noteworthy characteristic of their commitment is that members, including Mhlanga, frequently pay out of pocket to buy meals, genuinely exemplifying the attitude of selflessness, stated Mhlanga.

The donation drive is not only based in Bloemfontein but extends to various parts of South Africa. The team is already preparing for their next mission, scheduled for 5 July in Platfontein, Northern Cape, where they will be focusing on the Khoi and San communities, having witnessed their living circumstances first-hand.

They will continue their journey of outreach in Thaba Nchu, consistently aiming to serve 1000 people in each town.

Those inspired to contribute to this impactful movement, whether through donations or by joining the dedicated team, may contact Mhlanga on 082 477 1200.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane cg