Non-profits feel lockdown effect

All gatherings have been cancelled but they still meet in smaller groups to try and find a way forward.

The announcement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa in March has left many non-profit organisations crippled.

Tzaneen Cancer Care Centre said they are not able to host their biggest fundraiser for the year, the Dirt Dash, an outdoor family fun day with obstacles for everyone. Halima Omar of the centre said that it has been a rather difficult time for them.

Fun outdoor activities from last year’s Dirt Dash. Photo supplied.

“Having to cancel the event has put added strain on our volunteers to raise funds and find sponsors to assist with the care of our patients and the running costs,” she said.

ALSO READ: Churches open doors in level 3

Meanwhile, Louise Batty, from Keep The Dream196, a charity working with children, told Herald that the easing of the restrictions has made it a little easier for them to continue with their operations.

“Covid shut us down under level 5, but we slowly started operating again in level 4. We raised funds and have received enough money.

One of the families that received food parcels from KTD196 during the lockdown. Photo supplied.

“We have been able to hand out 99 food parcels to foreign nationals. Families that haven’t received aid during this time, have also been assisted. Because we are also a community development organisation, we have also been providing seed and training families on aquaculture and vegetable gardens.”

ALSO READ: ‘It mustn’t be work’ says Gordon

She said they had awareness campaigns around the pandemic to change perceptions that the virus means death. “We are trying to spread correct information, the same way we did when the HIV/Aids pandemic started.”

Because they are part of large international organisation, all gatherings have been cancelled but they still meet in smaller groups to try and find a way forward within their operations and the initiatives they take part in.

Source: LetabaHerald

Support families fighting financial toxicity of cancer – here.