New Woodlands couple Chanel and Gavin Hyser started a feeding scheme called Humble Beginnings last year in response to Covid-19 but say they need help to keep it going.
Chanel, a 31-year-old mother of one, says her salary was cut by 50% and they faced a tough time during the hard lockdown with very little income.
“I made a promise to God that if God spared me and my family from the virus, I would serve my community with a feeding scheme,” she says.
“My husband lost his job, my salary was reduced by 50%, we lost our car in an accident but God had been faithful.”
Chanel says following an address by President Cyril Ramaphosa in February, she went on her knees and pleaded with God to help her.
“Within a week, doors opened as I have never seen and I spoke to my family and friends, told them what I wanted to do and the promises I made to God.
“We currently have about 18 volunteers assisting us. We feed only on a Saturday for now as most of us are still working full time.
“We feed in New Woodlands and Lentegeur where the need is extremely big.
Chanel says they cook about five pots of biryani or curry on Saturdays, and on Tuesday and Thursday they serve soup and bread.
“When we give out meals on a Saturday, we try to have fruit added, we buy that out of our own pocket.
“We have a need for proper cooking equipment and we do not always have enough ingredients but we do our best to get the food done.
“Since we started, we have had three small fundraisers.”
To help Humble Beginnings call Chanel on 072 253 7149.