During the COVID 19 lockdown, farmers had a challenge with selling their produce as very few people were visiting the markets, institutions like schools which bought in bulk were closed and export was also low due to restricted cross border travel. This meant a lot of potential waste, prompting them to sell at super low prices. We immediately saw an opportunity to brighten some lives in this situation. We decided to run a campaign to buy and deliver food to the hospital through donations every week for 6 weeks, leading up to a grand finale cookout where we would get involved in cooking the food. The response was massive and every week we delivered, prepared and served fresh fruit and vegetables, other supplements for their nutrition as well as dry rations. Whatever we could distribute personally, we did, sharing a smile of hope in the process.
For the cookout event, we were joined by “friends of Soul Foundation” who volunteered to cook and serve. The happy clanging of pots and pans in the kitchen, coupled with the excited banter from all the cooks made the day that much more special. No luxury was spared for this cookout as we wanted it to be truly special so herbs like dill, garlic and coriander flavored the food and soothed their souls
In the end, so exhausted yet overflowing with gratitude, we took to the hospital gardens to have a much-needed rest before heading home. Patients walking by kept shouting their excited appreciation for the exquisite meal they had had, the best yet as some of them said.
Once again, we are eternally grateful to all those who supported us to make this an absolutely fantastic 6 weeks with a grand closing. Stay blessed.
