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An Observatory organisation that feeds people living on the street will have a pasta supply at least until the cold winter months thanks to a generous donation by Westerford High School.
Obs Pasta Kitchen is a non-profit organisation that feeds people a warm pasta meal every Wednesday from the Michael and All Angels Anglican Church hall.
They received a R6 000 voucher from the school’s interact society.
The society consists of learners who do charitable activities in communities.
Jessica Hendricksz, a teacher at the school, oversees the interactive society.
She explained that they wanted to support the organisation because of the great work it does.
“I challenged the learners, we discussed it and decided to come up with a raffle. We had wonderful sponsors who gave us a voucher and a hamper. She said they aimed to raise at least R2 000.
“Obs Pasta does important work in the community by feeding people once a week. We wanted to support that.”
Dani Saporetti, co-founder of the kitchen, described the donation as a great help.
“That was amazing. This will guarantee that we can make delicious meals well into winter. We can get tea, coffee and other hot beverages for our clients. We use all monies wisely and accept the donation with so much gratitude.
“We are blown away by their kindness and thoughtfulness. One of our regular volunteers at the kitchen recommended us to a friend who works at the school. Her friend took the initiative and ran with it. We are so grateful to the school.”
Saporetti said the kitchen is about more than just giving people food.
“Every Wednesday evening, we offer a hot bowl of pasta to the many needy residents (often homeless) and passers-through in Observatory. But more than providing a meal, it’s about creating connections."
She added that they hope to instil a sense of belonging in their clients. “What we offer is once a week. But that hour that we spend with them, we want it to be an hour where worries go away. We also instil a sense of love, hope and inspiration. We want to tell them that the life that they dream of is possible through love and support.
According to Saporetti, they work closely with other organisations in the area to encourage clients to seek assistance if they want to get off the streets.
“We bring people together for a meal surrounded by good company in a safe space. We have positive and lovely conversations. We try to set topics each month. We hold hands with other organisations in the area. We all support each other. We hope it can be a place where people can be uplifted and can move off the streets.”
She said they are always looking for donations. “To volunteer just show up, you don’t need permission. You just need to have time available. Show up on a Wednesday at the St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Observatory, we need you to be there.”
