Minister donates blankets to poor elderly residents for Winter Campaign
MEC of Social Development, Albert Fritz, donated 150 blankets to elderly residents from Somerset West and surrounding communities.
The MEC made the donation as part of the Departments ongoing Winter Campaign, which aims to mobilize the NGO sector and private sector to give generously over this winter period.
The blankets were provided courtesy of the generosity of the Chinese business community in Cape Town.
MEC Fritz has been on a drive to engage NGO partners and the private sector to do more throughout this winter period to assist the poor and vulnerable to stave off the cold weather, and lend a helping hand.
The department’s Winter Programme prioritises vulnerable groups such as the homeless and elderly by providing R47.6-million funding to NGOs that work with these groups.
The funds go towards temporary winter packs and most importantly a network of 29 shelters, which provide 1 401 beds each day.
Our shelters render social work services aimed at reunifying homeless adults with their families, with R16-million allocated to sustained family reunification services.
The department is also working with a number of NGO’s and the business community, to provide extra mattresses, food, and care packs to the poor.
Our Sustainable Livelihoods Program funds a total of 75 targeted feeding sites across the province. Access to these sites is via the Department of Health and following an assessment by a registered social worker.
As winter continues to bite, the Department will continue to build partnerships aimed at providing relief from the misery that cold temperatures can bring.
Media Enquiries:
Sihle Ngobese
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
Email : Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
