#StrongerTogether is an inspiring initiative which aims to raise funds to aid the vulnerable members of the Winelands community. Started by a Franschhoek local, Prakash Patel, the cause works with an organisation called Together Franschhoek to assist the most vulnerable.
To help raise funds, Patel and Together Franschhoek recently put up a laser show on the church in the town’s main road to pay tribute to all frontline staff, NGOs, police and chefs who are working hard throughout lockdown.
Businesses in the area came together to support the laser show, and raised a total of R50 000.
Together Franschhoek works closely with community leaders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to carefully assess the needs of the Franschhoek Valley’s indigent residents, and focuses mainly on food relief. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many residents who now struggle to make ends meet and feed their families as many cannot work during lockdown. Many have also lost their jobs during the lockdown period too.
“Food relief remains our primary focus but we’ve made the decision to re-look at the way we’re identifying priority households and those in urgent need of food parcels,” Together Franschhoek said. “In the meantime, we’re assisting the community in establishing additional food distribution points through the supply of fresh produce and ingredients, the installation of hand washing stations, and ensuring that social distancing measures and guidelines are in place.”
“If we all do something small, it becomes something big. A small village with a big Heart – who believes we are #StrongerTogether.“
Picture: Franschhoek Life