As the holy month of Ramadan begins, the Tiny Steps Care Team has launched its fifth annual Ramadan Iftar Programme, providing meals to communities in need. The initiative aims to support those facing financial hardship while they focus on the spiritual significance of Ramadan.
Founder of Tiny Steps Care Team, Naadia Sheik Hameed, expressed gratitude for the programme’s continued success, saying: ”As the auspicious month of Ramadan has started, we are pleased to announce that we have managed to initiate our Ramadan Iftar programmes for the fifth year. We serve communities with limited financial means, who focus on the spiritual benefits of Ramadan. Our main goal is to ease their burden by providing meals with the support of our donors – ultimately earning the blessings of the Almighty.”
Currently, the team is distributing essential food supplies, including groceries, fresh fruit, vegetables, proteins such as fish, chicken, beef, and mutton, legumes, chilli bites, Haleem, water, dates, and other necessities for daily meals. A full, nutritious meal costs just R21.70 per person, with efforts to keep expenses low through discounts and in-kind donations of staple items like rice and water.
Sheik hameed said: “Deliveries take place two to three times a week, with meals prepared on-site by volunteers. This hands-on approach minimises transport costs while ensuring a variety of meals for those in need. In just the first ten days of Ramadan, the organisation has already served 1,800 meals—an average of 180 meals daily across three locations.
“Meals served include mutton burgers, wors rolls, samp with mutton and beans, beans bunnies, tin fish with rice or pap, chicken curry with rice or pap, roast chicken with vegetables and rice, beef and cabbage with rice, pasta with mince, fried fish or fish curry with rice, and mutton curry with pap or rice. Each meal is accompanied by a starch, fruit, water, juice, dates, and snacks such as chilli bites or Haleem.”
The Tiny Steps Care Team urgently requires funding and is appealing to individuals, businesses, and the community to contribute towards iftar meals and water, Eid clothing boxes and sweet packs at R500 each for 65 children, suhoor or Eid hampers of 25kg each costing R465 for 230 disadvantaged Muslim families in Durban and KZN, and the annual Eid lunch celebration, which provides braai packs, drinks, ice cream, biscuits, and salads at R60 per person for 300 people.
“Additionally, cash donations or Checkstar food vouchers are welcomed to assist 15 vulnerable, women-headed households. This includes elderly widows, mothers with disabilities, and those caring for children with intellectual challenges—families that Tiny Steps Care Team has supported for the past three years.
“The organisation accepts Lillah, Sadaqah, Fitra, Fidiyah, and Zakat, ensuring that all beneficiaries meet Zakat eligibility requirements. Donations exceeding R1,000 qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate, as the organisation is a registered non-profit,”
The Tiny Steps Care Team extends its heartfelt gratitude to loyal donors and their families for their unwavering support. “May the Almighty accept from you and from our team all our efforts and prayers,” said Sheik Hameed. At this time, due to a set list of beneficiaries, the organisation is unable to accept new applications for assistance.
To contribute, contact the Tiny Steps Care Team. The founder, Naadia Sheik Hameed, can be reached via email at foundertinysteps@gmail.com, WhatsApp at 082 606 6890, or through the pledge hotline at 072 278 0811.
By supporting this initiative, donors play a vital role in bringing relief, nourishment, and joy to those in need during this sacred month.
