Communities across the Western Cape are grappling with severe weather conditions. The founder of the community initiative Love In Action, Elizabeth Visagie has highlighted the urgent needs faced by residents of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.
“People are enduring cold, hunger, and escalating stress levels. Their necessities such as adequate housing, warm clothing, and food remain unmet.
Coupled with the current harsh weather conditions, the situation is dire,” says Visagie.
Responding to a recent appeal, the Somerset West community has rallied behind Love In Action, generously donating bedding, food, clothing, and kitchen essentials.
Communities grappling with severe weather conditions
Sheets and blankets are converted into sleeping bags and a donated bed meant an 11-year-old girl could be reunited with her mother. Despite these efforts, many still face empty stomachs and a cold night ahead.
Elizabeth remains steadfast: “God provides what we need; it’s already out there – we just need to find it through prayer.”
Elizabeth’s journey began following the devastating September 2023 floods that rendered 46 families homeless, including two widowed sisters and their four young children.
“Witnessing their plight, sharing a single mattress and blanket in temporary housing, I couldn’t stand idly by,” she recalls.
In just two days, through community support, they secured additional mattresses, bedding, and essentials, transforming donated items into makeshift kitchens and ensuring families had the means to rebuild.
Making an Impact, One Family at a Time
Today, Elizabeth dedicates 6 days a week to Love In Action, empowering the community through various initiatives.
These include a book exchange for those lacking proof of address to access the local library, promoting home vegetable gardens, and supporting street cooking programs.
READ MORE: The new fire station in Sir Lowry’s Pass is nearing completion
73-year-old Maria Steyn prepares sandwiches for high school students lacking school meal programs, while 4 community soup kitchens receive gas and supplies to feed vulnerable residents, particularly children during school holidays.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Specific needs include:
- · Bedding – sheets, pillows, blankets, mattresses
- · Winter clothing and shoes, especially winter school clothes (contact Elizabeth for sizes)
- · Food, especially dry goods like samp, maize, soup mix and stock
- · Cooking utensils
- · Curtains to insulate shacks
- · Wood for cooking and warmth – fallen branches from the storm can be dropped off in the village instead of taking them to the dump
- · Gas bottles – Gas has been sponsored but four empty 9kg bottles are needed
“When we sow love, we reap an incredible harvest. Through acts of kindness, we can restore hope and empower Sir Lowry’s Pass residents to lead meaningful lives,” Elizabeth emphasises.
If you wish to contribute, check your cupboards or garages for unused items, volunteer your skills, or offer a donation.
“We have the power to transform our community, one act of kindness at a time. Together, we can achieve this,” concludes Elizabeth.
For more details about Love In Action or to donate, contact Elizabeth Visagie via WhatsApp on 079 275 7055.
