Touws River is an inland town about 200 kms outside of Cape Town. It is one of the communities hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, according to the foundation.

Many of the local businesses that created jobs for people in the area were forced to close their doors; those who were fortunate to keep their jobs had their salaries cut, putting major strain on households to make ends meet, says the foundation. 

Director of Mustadafin Foundation Ghairunisa Johnstone says, "Mustadafin is a humanitarian organisation that is here to serve these communities in need. When we saw the dire need in this community we had to do what we could to provide people with daily basic essentials."

"We have been working with Mustadafin Foundation for years in this area and when this happened, they were our first port of call for assistance. They responded immediately with a truckload of clothing shortly followed with food for the people," says aunty Basheerah, a community worker.

The foundation distributed in five areas. One of the points being the AGS old age home, where 55 seniors and staff were each gifted with a tin of treats and a meal.

"The foundation has limited resources, but through partnerships and donations, we were able to answer their call for help. I'm glad we were on the ground in Touws River to show the community that they are not forgotten and are not alone," says Ms De Jongh, Mustadafin Foundation's projects coordinator.

Donations can be made to Mustadafin Foundation at Standard bank, branch code 025909, account no 072 778 377 or at 154 Antelope Street, Bridgetown.

For more information, visit www.mustadafin.org.za. You can also follow the Mustadafin Foundation on Facebook