Kilt: One tin can make a difference

KNYSNA NEWS - As South Africans honoured Nelson Mandela's legacy of compassion and service on Mandela Day, Knysna residents were encouraged to make a simple gesture that could mean a warm meal for someone in need.

The Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching (Kilt), Hamilton's Property Portfolio Garden Route and Food Lover's Market joined forces for a Mandela Day food drive, calling on the community to donate non-perishable food items for two local soup kitchens.

The campaign got under way on Friday 17 July, when Hamilton's launched the initiative with a symbolic 67-item trolley dash through Food Lover's Market. The principal, Simon Harris, filled the trolley while Andrea Harris ensured they stayed true to their carefully planned shopping list.

The groceries purchased by Hamilton's were donated to Kilt, which will redistribute them to two local soup kitchens later this month. But the organisers say this is only the beginning.

Two collection boxes have been placed at the Food Lover's Market checkout area, where shoppers can donate any non-perishable food items. Kilt will collect the donations at the end of July and distribute them to the selected soup kitchens.

Kilt's Leanne Rencken appealed to the residents to support the initiative, reminding them that even the smallest donation can make a meaningful difference. "Please donate something for the soup kitchens, even if it's only a tin of baked beans or a packet of soup mix," she said.

"Winter is a particularly difficult time for many families, and a warm bowl of soup can make a real difference. The need in our community is enormous, but together we can help ensure that no one is forgotten."

She said Mandela Day is a reminder that lasting change often begins with small acts of kindness. "Every donation, no matter how small, brings hope to someone who needs it. If everyone gives just one item, together we can make a significant difference."

Those wishing to support the initiative may drop non-perishable food items in the collection boxes at Food Lover's Market throughout July.

The principal of Hamilton's Property Portfolio, Simon Harris, fills his trolley with 67 items during a Mandela Day trolley dash through Food Lover's Market.