South Africa
We Care during COVID-19
In spite of the challenges imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, Durban-based Aspen Holdings participated in three Mandela Day activities in July 2020.
As in previous years, Aspen teamed up with Key of Hope to pack and distribute food parcels. Poverty, perpetuated by the ravages of COVID-19, has contributed to a desperate need for food in many less fortunate communities in the Durban area. Aspen sponsored 60 families with a month’s supply of groceries, meat and vegetables. Key of Hope is an international non-profit Christian organisation based in Durban that reaches children affected by poverty and AIDS. Their vision is to unlock the future of Africa by empowering children to be ambassadors of change in their families, schools and communities.
Aspen's Vishma Chetty joined Key of Hope on 15 July to pack and deliver the food parcels to a rural area known as Jamaica. COVID-19 regulations were strictly observed during the process, including ensuring that drop-off points were arranged in such a manner as to ensure social distancing of the families who benefited from these donations.
Long-term beneficiary, Masifundisane Pre-Primary School, which caters for children from disadvantaged communities, also received donations of PPE, sanitizing products as well as desk dividers for learners' use at the school. Masifundisane's Principal Jenny Nicholson said, " We welcomed the children back to school on 1 September and are so grateful to Aspen for the sanitization equipment and desk dividers - we are safe and blessed.”
A third activity was undertaken in which employees were encouraged to participate in a much-needed blood drive. Mrs Chetty and her daughter Nicole kicked-off this effort on a personal basis by visiting the South African National Blood Service's centre in Musgrave, Durban to donate blood.
