The initiative comes at a time when community members need such assistance, especially given the challenges and impact of COVID-19. Each bucket is filled with non-perishable items and treats.

Phumla Dyafta, Likusasa Lomama Project Manager, says the situation in their community has been dire: “We used to feed fewer than one hundred people a day and it would mainly be women who queue for a meal, but now things have changed.

“We now cater for more than three hundred people a day, and we have seen a rise in men who come for a meal, and people who have lost their jobs. These buckets will make a huge difference to these families over this period.”

Faced with many challenges, the needs in the community have changed and many are now faced with poverty and no hope of employment. Tracey Watson, Love Story Funding Coordinator, says they try to identify community members who are making a difference by running kitchens in their communities.

“We try and partner with formal business so that we link them up with needy communities; communities that need the intervention. Companies like Isuzu come on board, and we are able to link them up with a community project that seeks to address some of the urgent societal issues such as hunger,” says Tracey.

Isuzu has been a long-time corporate partner of initiatives that seek to uplift and benefit our local communities. As a corporate resident of Gqeberha, it is a business imperative for us to be part of the long-term sustainable solutions that will address some challenges our communities face.

Mandlakazi Sigcawu, Executive, Corporate and Public Affairs at Isuzu, says: “Our intention is that each bucket brings blessings and hope to every family, especially during this holiday period when families are together.

“What may seem a small gesture to some of us may make a huge impact on some of the homes that we are able to reach through this partnership. On behalf of Isuzu, we wish everyone a safe festive season.”