To address food insecurity and uplift vulnerable communities, Marshall Security and Rise Against Hunger recently collaborated on a large-scale food packaging initiative. The packaging took place at Northwood Crusaders Sports Club in Durban North.
Under the leadership of Savanna Fourie from Marshall Security Events, plans were immediately put into motion. Within an hour, a suitable venue had been secured at Crusaders Sports Field, where all the food packaging ingredients were delivered.
On the evening before the event, a community call to action was issued, supported by Marshall Security Managing Director Tyron Powell, inviting volunteers to stand together in service of those less fortunate.
By morning, three packaging stations had been established, where volunteers carefully weighed and sealed rice, lentils, soya and nutritional supplements into specially prepared 440g meal packs. Powell said: “Giving back to our community is something we do exceptionally well. We are recognised for fighting crime and protecting lives every day, but this reminded us that making a difference comes in many forms. This was community service on another level, and once again the Marshall Security family showed exactly what we stand for. I’m incredibly proud of every single person who made this possible.”
Fourie added: “Community support is not a slogan. It is a commitment. Whether we are responding to violent crime, assisting during disasters, supporting charities or helping feed vulnerable families, Marshall Security will always be at the forefront of making a difference. Our message has never changed. We are here to help, in case of anything.”
Rise Against Hunger’s Fundraising and Events Co-ordinator, Kim Carrington, said: “We are very appreciative of how quickly Marshall Security could assist us in making this possible, as well as the community who took time out of their day. Approximately 61 volunteers packed 95 boxes, which equates to 20 646 meals. This enabled us to feed 90 children in our ECD Connect Programme, with five meals a week for the entire year.” After the successful packaging event, Carrington invited businesses to reach out for future meal-packing events on kznevents@rahafrica.org.
This initiative demonstrated that true community leadership is measured not only by how people respond in times of danger, but also by how they answer the call when hope is needed most. Marshall Security extended its sincere appreciation to Rise Against Hunger, every volunteer, the organisers and every member of staff who helped turn compassion into action. They concluded: “20 000 meals. Countless lives impacted. One community united.”
