Covid-19 – How did we help?
- We had a mass distribution of all the food in our Care Pantry the day before Lockdown, Level 5 to ensure our most needy families had food.
- For the first few weeks of “hard” lockdown, we paid weekly allowances for groceries to our most need families, using vouchers, eWallet and iMali.
- Project 220 was launched to help out those in need during Lockdown. People donated R220 to Project 220 which covered the cost of a food parcel. We had a couple of socially distanced work parties at the Copelands and people served in various ways – receiving, sorting, taking inventory, packing and distributing the food and also second hand clothing, blankets, and beanies. We set up a Project220 list of what to pack and asked people to stick to this to ensure that the parcels were all the same. Going forward, now that people are back to work, we have incorporated Project220 as part of our Care ministry. For more info, see Care on our ministries page.
- We asked members to continue with their usual gifts and giving to the church because this helps us respond to our community needs, but created an opportunity for those wanting to donate specifically to those most severely affected by the Lockdown and the coronavirus,. Donations were referenced as “COVID-19” so that we knew the intention. We used these funds to provide for essentials such as food and medical costs where necessary, as well as data to help our church family stay connected.
- We encouraged those we others knew were not getting emails or SMS messages from the church to contact us so that they could be added to the database and get connected.
- Many in the church helped in various other ways e.g. providing data for those who have run out, handing out food parcels to other areas, etc. We were amazed at how members of HCC were God’s hands and feet on the ground.
- We continued to do Bible Study, and meet with others digitally e.g. via Zoom, or Houseparty, or Whatapp to stay spiritually healthy. Nick posted reflection material and other material for community groups or individuals under “Resources“.
- We directed people to government initiatives to get assistance when we could not meet the needs:
- We referred people to the SASSA homepage which has a wealth of information.
- We suggested that people phone 0800 428 8364 for food supplies to be delivered
- We referred people to other special contact numbers to call, and the Solidarity Fund that was set up:
- The Government Emergency COVID 19 Hotline is 080 002 9999
- The SA Government COVID-19 WhatsApp number is 060 012 3456
- Solidarity Fund Call Centre: 0860 001 001. To make a tax deductible donation: Bank: Standard Bank, Branch Name: Sandton City, Branch Code 051001, Account Name: Solidarity Fund, Account Number: 023070021, Account Type: Current Account