In light of the current pandemic Vishnu Govender, the founder of non-profit organisation Sri Vishnu Kutambhakam (SVK) Religion Without Borders, is continually receiving requests for groceries, hot meals, clothing and toys from disadvantaged communities in and around Tongaat, Verulam and Phoenix.
In an attempt to alleviate the challenges of hunger, poverty, drug addiction, crime and other socio-economic ills aggravated by the onslaught of Covid-19, Govender met with the community of Greylands in Tongaat to provide them with freshly prepared breyani and salad. Govender said the organisation tries to feed a community once a month among other monthly initiatives like a winter warmth drive which provides the youth of different communities with new tracksuits and toys. “We are only funded by members, good Samaritans, well-wishers from the public domain and some businesses.” SVK Religion Without Borders is a faith-based organisation that provides services to communities across the province, since 1982. The organisation also provides assistance to places looking after residents who are unemployed, retrenched, suffering from substance abuse and other factors that cause social-ills.
“We are devoted to the advancement and service of the people, encouraging the transformation of the mundane to the divine, inspiring people to serve mankind by recognising the possibility of each person to empower another and to improve the quality of life in the communities through education, health, livelihood generation and arts and culture. We are dedicated to the well-being of the individual and the world without discriminating between any particular ideology, religion, race, gender or creed.” Govender said the organisation is also committed to raising human consciousness, fostering communal harmony through individual transformation. “In an attempt to nurture a culture of a family of friends by refocussing the individual on constructive sets of behaviours by diverting their energy into designated, agreed, goal-oriented projects.” For more information, or to assist with the drive, email vishnugovender2@gmail.com or call Vishnu Govender on 032 944 3039 or 083 532 2054.
