GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Elizabeth Prins of Asherville is one of those people who quietly make a big difference in their community by looking after those less fortunate than herself.
Three days a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, she collects food that is about to reach its expiry date from the local Spar, cooks up a nourishing meal using her three 36 litre pots, and dishes up a meal of meat and rice or bread to needy children and adults. Each time, she serves about 120 to 130 meals, and is adamant that the children must be fed first. Her base for this is the Shekinah Tabernacle in Asherville, where Pastor David Martins and his wif Anita provide assistance and support.
On Thursdays, she makes up food parcels, again mostly using almost-expired food such as yogurts and cakes kindly donated by Spar, and delivers the parcels to those who might otherwise go hungry. She also collects the leftover cooked food from Spar at 20:30, and distributes plates of food the next morning.
One day a week, leftover food is taken to Umasizakhe, where she gives it to a local minister to distribute.
She is very disappointed by the irresponsible parents who spend their child grants on themselves, and also collects clothing for children.
Elizabeth moved to Graaff-Reinet from Cape Town almost two years ago, when her husband Robert wanted to retire to his home town. She soon settled into the community, and everywhere she goes, she is greeted with great respect.
As well as the generous donations received from Spar, she has spent over R100 000 of her own money to relieve the suffering of others. Although she is unable to drive, she has purchased a bakkie to deliver the meals, and a friend drives it for her.
She first started her charity outreach work about 15 years ago, whilst in Cape Town, and it seems that her generous nature knows no bounds.
Elizabeth is very grateful to the owners of Spandau Spar, and all their staff, who are unfailingly friendly and helpful. Anyone who would like to help her in her work can contact her on 078 991 5127.
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