El Gibbor Kitchen, a non-profit organisation has been reaching-out to people in need through their weekly feeding initiatives. The organisation was founded in 2018 after the founders saw the need to feed the less fortunate people in Pinetown.
Founding member, Stephanie Amod said that they started the organisation unofficially in March 2018 with her husband, Hoosen Amod.
“We used to cook whatever we had to feed the homeless on the streets. It was about 15 people, winter was fast approaching and we donated blankets to keep them warm. Upon giving the homeless people blankets and food, there was one person that changed our lives forever. He just cried when he received the blanket and food. He hugged me and said thank you for taking care of us. He said that many people see them as the scum of the earth and they don’t get respect because of the situation they are in. He thanked us and those words will forever be with us. It was that spark that ignited our passion to help others and make a difference,” said Amod.
Amod who is a cancer survivor said that the highlight of the work they do, is when the homeless people they feed make a change for the better.
“We feed almost 100 people every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. I am a cancer survivor and I am on crutches, my husband and I sometimes cook the meals by ourselves. I cannot imagine not doing this, it gives us such a huge sense of joy knowing we are making a difference even if it’s by one person at a time. Not all homeless people are on drugs, some have serious health problems such as HIV, TB, Schizophrenia and are neglected by their families. Some have mental issues that stemmed from an unsafe childhood, that lead to low self esteem so they just try to survive each day as it comes because they don’t know any better,” she said.
Amod thanked all supporters who make their dream of reaching out to the needy come true.
She said: “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Westville Boys’ High School, New Church Westville, Pinelands Community Church, Waterfall Pantry and those many individuals in our community that constantly help us make a difference by sponsoring meals, helping us with our drives, donating funds and those that come out to assist. A very big thank you to Mazda Fury Pinetown for allowing us to feed on their premises. We also welcome anyone would like to get involved by becoming a volunteer or sponsoring a meal or partnering with us financially.”
For more information, email Sayhi@elgibborkitchen3610.co.za or phone Steph on 084-081-9130.
