Established with the aim of distributing as many sandwiches as possible to feed hungry tummies on a weekly basis, a local community organisation driven by a young beauty queen celebrates its sustainability over the past year coupled by the ability to spread hope, one serving at a time.
Helderberg Sandwiches of Hope was inspired by little Scarlett van der Merwe’s passion to make a difference in January last year. Her supportive mom, Melani, recalled the Grade 3 Beaumont Primary School learner being “very excited” to be part if the school’s weekly initiative, which called on scholars to bring an extra sandwich to help feed needy children in disadvantaged communities.
Scarlett eagerly contributed 20 sandwiches, which were lovingly prepared and dropped off at the school gate for distribution to Sir Lowry’s Pass Primary School. She also volunteered and donated to Beaumont’s recycling programme, the swop shop initiative, operated in conjunction with the latter (“Swop shop,” DistrictMail, Thursday 31 October 2013). However, according to the parent, Covid and pandemic-induced lockdowns forced the food drive and swop shop to stop. “Consequently, we initially focused weekly donations of bread and food items in aid of Ladles of Love,” she said, “but Scarlett constantly questioned where the children assisted by the previous initiatives will now be getting the much-loved sandwiches and treats they could acquire at the swop shop with their recycling items.
“Reaching out to the community has been part of her life since the tender age of three as it forms a crucial part of being a successful title-holder in the modelling industry. I then decided to create a system within our modelling company, Helderberg Modelling Studio, where the girls could make a monetary donation of R20 weekly towards the purchasing of bread and, if possible, any spreads they could get.”
Van der Merwe added that sandwich evenings, where the eager little models could assist with making and individually packaging the sandwiches, followed. And in this way they could distribute, on average, 300 or more sandwiches in communities, including Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Sercor Park in Strand, Temperance Town in Gordon’s Bay and the Somerset West central business district weekly.
“This afforded the girls the opportunity to see that they could make a difference, even if they themselves do not have a lot, fostered the belief that they are stronger together.”
She said the name Helderberg Sandwiches of Hope was fitting as the initiative targets feeding hungry individuals in the basin, and the absolute gratitude expressed on the faces of the children and elderly that greet them upon collecting the sandwich. “This made us realise that it was creating hope in the communities which is so important in current times,” she added.
The team comprising a few models and parents who are able to assist in these trying times affecting just about everyone, aims to source food items, make and package between 150 and 300 sandwiches for distribution every week.
This without any sponsors from other companies or organisations. They also strive to collect various items for special occasions or days. On Women’s Day they donated gift packs with toiletries and smaller miscellaneous items to 20 elderly women, and on Christmas they gifted party packs with little treats and toys to disadvantaged children.
The project was included in Scarlett’s modelling portfolio and due the number of people reached and assisted, she earned the Beauty with a Purpose award at the 2021 Toddler and Tween of the World event held in Johannesburg.
But, like any other charity organisation, Helderberg Sandwiches of Hope has its challenges. The initiative is dependent on donations, monetary or in kind. And, in the instance where no donations were received, Van der Merwe said along with parents of her modelling students dedicated to serve the community and create a culture of giving, dig into their own pockets to keep it going.
“We attempt to sustain a minimum of 150 sandwiches weekly, which this covers at least one of the three aforementioned areas distributed to. We would, however, love to be able to consistently cover distribution for all areas on a weekly basis. We have the hands, now all we need is help with the shortage of food items.”
The community can assist with contributions of bread, spreads, tea, powder milk, sugar, fruit, vegetables and sweets. The main ingredient, is love which they offer in heaps and bounds. “The goal is to keep going, even when times are tough, and not just give up,” Van der Merwe said.
. For more information, or to offer any form of assistance, email her at thepageantbox@gmail.com. Alternatively, visit Helderberg Sandwiches of Hope’s Facebook page and send her a direct message.
