By Frederick Philander
WINDHOEK
A concerned group of learners and their parents from various schools in Khomasdal have formed a voluntary civil society organization, which last week made its first contribution towards the fight against hunger and poverty.
The man behind the establishment of ‘Friends for Charity’ is David Britz, an electrician who believes that this human assistance outreach programme has come to stay.
“Presently families belonging to the organization financially contribute towards the organization’s efforts to help the poor and destitute in the communities of Khomasdal and Katutura. We definitely have a role to play to help assist others as part of our Christian duty,” Britz said.
The idea arose from the fact that existing charity organizations in the capital focus on the provision of clothes and blankets.
“We collectively agreed to rather opt for the provision of foodstuffs to old people and vulnerable children. Thus far, the members have been very positive and we intend continuing with this kind of donation, initially every three months not to overburden our members,” he said.
‘Friends for Charity’ last weekend made its first food donation to the Tabitha Old Age Home in Khomasdal.
“We collected almost N$2,000 from the children and their parents. We bought groceries for the 20 or so old people. This human outreach gesture was a very sentimental and heartrending moment for all of us, something inspirational to continue with the project aimed at giving back into our struggling communities what we as workers earn in our jobs,” said Britz, adding that the members spontaneously joined the organization to help curb hunger and poverty.
In his view the communities they serve are suffocating in many social problems, ranging from alcohol abuse and unemployment to a high crime rate.
“We just felt that we should extend a helping hand to those unfortunate people, especially the pensioners, who in many cases have to bring up their grandchildren from the limited monthly pension they receive.
“We welcome others prepared to assist us in this purely voluntary charity work,” he said.
‘Friends for Charity’ intends to have fundraising functions to sustain itself and assist the poor in the community.