Amanzimtoti Rotarians and Subb10 Technology’s Care founders, Neil and Lerina Subbiah, are doing their part for communities that have had to face disastrous and ruinous consequences in the wake of the recent civil unrest that erupted in KZN.
“As we look back at the week of unrest, where shopping malls and centres were ransacked by mobs, we found ourselves overwhelmed by deep sadness. The looting of food and clothing gave us the idea to do a donation drive through our newly-formed foundation. “During that week we felt fear and uncertainty about what the future may hold. Remembering the day when my family, friends and even my neighbours did not know if they will get a loaf of bread to eat, was a turning point for me,” said Lerina Subbiah. She said no matter how much money a person had, in those moments all the money in the world could not provide you with something as simple as a loaf of bread. “It also made us think about how people that live in poverty must feel every day of their lives. Observing how the community and neighbours stood together to help each other; we set up WhatsApp groups so we could engage with people in need of food,” added Subbiah.
What started with a family who used their own groceries to cook and feed those who went hungry has turned into one of the biggest donation drives in the area. “Neil and I decided to make food parcels from what was in our grocery cupboard and give to those in need during the week-long unrest. We cooked hot meals in our kitchen and then handed them out to the hungry and destitute,” she said. After witnessing the appreciation and joy on the faces of those they have helped, the Subbiahs decided to rope in their IT company, Subb10 Technologies, as their first sponsor; allowing them to expand their food donations to old age homes, children’s homes and underprivileged communities. To date, Subb10 Technologies has handed out over 300 food and baby hampers to the communities of Lotus Park, Malagazi, uMlazi and Amanzimtoti. Subbiah took to the wood fire and personally cooked chicken dhall gosht (Indian curry dish) for over 100 people in the Isipingo Rail and surrounding areas recently. With the help from some very generous sponsors and volunteers, the Subbiahs were able to further expand their drive into the Chatsworth and surrounding areas where they handed out dozens of food and baby hampers.
On Thursday morning, the Subbiahs took their donation drive to the gates of the Bill Buchanan Association for the Aged in Berea, Durban, where they dropped off 45 food hampers. Subb10 Technologies will be sponsoring 300 hot meals to the Zodwa Mchunu Foundation this Women’s Day at the King Dinizulu Park, Greyville, where they will feed the homeless and those who have lost everything during the unrest. “Even though this foundation was born in the midst of violence and devastation, through the hard work, long hours, compassion and complete dedication from all those individuals who support our cause, we are gaining momentum,” said Neil Subbiah. Subb10 Technology wished to thank a true humanitarian, Rechelle Kloeck from Motherkind Co, who sponsored food hampers and nappies towards their drive. “Not only did Rechelle sponsor items towards these hampers but she went over and beyond to arrange the transportation of the items directly to me from Gauteng. A special thank you also goes out to Marcina Majid and her team from the SAS Care Foundation who humbly offered to contribute towards the Women’s Day feeding drive,” she said. Those who wish to volunteer or contribute towards the Subb10 Technology’s Care Foundation may contact Lerina on 082-477-0756 or email lerina@subb10cares.co.za.
