A non-profit organisation called Vineyard Missions and Outreach based in Benoni is aiding the homeless and underprivileged people by giving them food parcels.
The co-founder of the organisation, pastor Mac Pillay, along with his associates: Thulani Dlamini, Alan Naidu, Jermaine Pillay and Jenade Pillay are determined to decrease the crime rate by serving food to the needy. Even though Mac Pillay is 60 years of age operating a plumbing and hardware supplying business, he states that being a resident of Benoni for 30 years made him realise that he has to spread out a helping hand to the members of his community, especially, since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Seeing the homeless not having food or a plan to make money, ever since the president encouraged citizens to stay home and put, made me see a reason to start this project. It was from the goodness of our heart to lend a helping hand and do right. We normally give bread, biscuits, chips and cold drinks. We’re open 7 days a week and we start at 9am but before we give out the food parcels, we usually preach the bible, pray and worship then we give out the parcels,” uttered the pastor.
He added on by saying that the organisation gives out food parcels to just about 50 people on daily basis. However, he states the hurdles they face as an NPO, “we don’t have much sponsors and at times we as the organisation have to take out money from our own pockets. Furthermore, I’m happy with our main sponsor which is Sunbake. Some of my customers from my business help out too and I’m grateful for people like pastor Roland Stevens, Pearl Cook, Kool Kwenchas and Rodger Langa who have helped-out by funding us. We currently like to offer fruits so we need more funding or sponsors. We believe that no one should go to sleep on an empty stomach therefore we plead for funding,” expressed Mac.
The pastor says their future plans include asking the government and churches to help the organisation to provide a home for abused women and children, as well as the beggars by building shelters.
By Palesa Ndinisa
