Veterans receive food parcels

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - On Monday, 75 mostly elderly military veterans or their dependents in Aberdeen received food parcels from Gift of the Givers.

Members of the SANDF were present to oversee the hand-over and prevent any unauthorised people threatening the donors, as had happened at a previous distribution, but all went smoothly and those receiving the bags of maize and assorted groceries were grateful.

Due to an unforeseen delay, the recipients had to wait over two hours outside in the cold, and the organisers would like to thank the Aberdeen office of the municipality for arranging chairs for the elderly people. On behalf of the veterans, Maria Jegels welcomed Corene Conradie and the Gift of the Givers team, and thanked them for responding to their request for help.

She told the assembled beneficiaries about the wonderful work of the organisation, under the leadership of Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.

The event was organised by Warrant Officer Dirk Tarentaal, the deputy chairperson of the South African Cape Corps Military Veterans (SACCMVA), aided by Aberdeen members Anelia Jantjies, Maria Lewies and Maria Jegels. Capt Bennie Smit, Station Commander of Aberdeen SAPS, was also on hand with support. Members of the SACCMVA are either those who served during the border wars before 1994, or dependents and families of those who passed away during the first or second world wars.

A few of the food parcels. Photos: Sue Shaw