“In preparing for battle I have found that planning is essential, but plans are worthless” –
Dwight D Eisenhower. In my previous letter I said I would give you regular updates on the
new “normal” for Seven Passes which is changing constantly and is making planning difficult.

Today we distributed 180 of the last 220 food parcels. With the help from Rev. De Mist we
will distribute the rest on Thursday. We decided a week ago that we would not hand out
food parcels anymore. The whole community is struggling and vulnerable and to distribute
220 food parcels created a lot of anger and frustration. SAPS was present last week and
today to help keep tempers in control when we handed out the parcels.

We have since decided to focus again on providing meals. This way, ALL people from the
community will be able to receive a meal and not just specific families. We are working in
collaboration with Hoekwil Ratespayers Association, VGK Church and the George
Municipality’s soup kitchens in Touwsranten to provide soup at three different locations in
the community for 5 days a week. The soup kitchens will hopefully provide meals on the
weekends as well. Touwsranten Primary will continue to provide meals to children twice a
week.

I cannot give an update on our financial situation now but I will give feedback after April,
when we will have an idea of the cost to produce soup for 500-800 people per day. It is a
new venture for all of us. What I can say is that we are grateful to have money available to
provide these meals, thanks to each and every one of you who contributed. We are also
very grateful for help and support from Hoekwil /Wilderness /Rondevlei and Touwsranten
residents who are willing to help make the soup.

We are continuing with education support to primary and high school learners. Staff
members are making and distributing games that parents can play with their children. Our
parenting programmes are continuing on WhatsApp groups and with individual support. We
are still making and distributing masks to members of the community.
Our support and care for each other is an example to other communities. I am proud of the
unity that we are creating.

Thanks again for being part of the solution.

Every act of love counters the fear