South Africa has been in lockdown for over six weeks. The government and leadership were swift in putting measures in place for the protection of all, especially the most vulnerable. Like many organisations, for Hillsong Africa Foundation, the virus has introduced many challenges that they have never faced before.

The team has been working around the clock to provide as much relief and support as possible to vulnerable communities and frontline workers battling the effects of the virus and the lockdown. They were able to secure government permits for their team of drivers to make deliveries during lockdown as an essential service in areas such as Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Manenberg, Mitchells Plain, Macassar, Pollsmoor Prison, Westlake, Soshanguve and more.

The team delivered a pack to the home of Patrick and heard that the supplies would have an immediate effect for him and his family.

“It is a very difficult season for us. The most difficult part is because we are not working, we are not doing anything. And we usually are on a daily basis. We need to go outside so that we can get something to provide for the family, but unfortunately, we cannot. We are struggling to provide for our families here. I would love to say thank you for the parcels that we received. I know it’s hard for some people. May God keep on lifting them so they can help people not only for me but for other people in need. We really appreciate it.

My neighbourhood and I would like to thank the church for remembering us during these tough moments. We are so thankful for the parcels we received.”

HAF has focused their efforts in three key areas:

Medical supplies, food security and hygiene

Providing much needed items such as masks, soaps, sanitiser, Covid-19 education flyers and food parcels

Encouragement and support to frontline

Providing encouragement with letters and drawings digitally made by people across the country to thank the frontline workers for their daily sacrifice and a support line for healthcare workers.

Making and donating masks

Education around making effective face masks and donating them to households unable to attain them.

Already, the impact has been felt across a wide range of vulnerable communities in South Africa.

Lives Impacted: 130,651
Families Impacted: 31,799
Food Parcels Distributed: 8,415
Soap Bars Distributed: 21,194
Litres of Hand Sanitizer Distributed: 1,095
Food Packs Distributed: 8,415
Educational Flyers on Coronavirus Distributed:15,000

Surgical Masks donated: 6,000

Fabric Masks Donated: 307
Encouraging Letters/ Drawings for Healthcare Workers Submitted:160

Through the Hillsong Foundation, your continued contribution enables HAF to keep spreading love and practical support in the midst of lockdown.

For more information and to support the Hillsong Africa Foundation, click here