Support Athlone's vulnerable: Join the Akasia Avenue Foundation's mission

The Akasia Avenue Foundation is working to raise R20,000 to provide food and clothing for underprivileged children and people living on the streets in the Athlone area.

The non-profit organisation, run by volunteers, has been supporting the community through regular food drives and donations of clothes and household items. The group is now calling on the public and local businesses to contribute towards their efforts.

Warren Volkwyn, one of the organisers, said the foundation’s journey has been shaped by personal experiences.

“The way I’ve channelled my personal experience and the desire to honour my late mother into something so impactful for the community is deeply humbling,” he said. “I imagined that the work we’re doing through the foundation has a profound effect not only on the recipients but also on those involved in these projects, seeing real change, connecting with people who might be facing hardship, and providing support in various ways.”

Mr Volkwyn said the foundation is focused on sustainable efforts and community outreach. “We’re continually collecting slightly worn clothes, bedding, curtains and non-perishable food items so that we are able to make them available to those most vulnerable. We aim to support three community programmes in the Athlone area on a continued basis, and then we also feed the homeless.”

He added that donations of food items such as ingredients for soup, bread or rice-based meals like akhni and biryani are welcome. “If you, or your business, are in the position to make a monetary donation (of any amount), we would appreciate that too,” he said.

He said the need continues to grow, and that volunteers often use their own money to cover costs. In the current quarter, the foundation has supported the Christine Revell Children’s Home.

"We appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small it seems - they all make a difference to those who have nothing and who need it the most."

To get involved or donate, the foundation can be contacted at akasiaavenuefoundation@gmail.com.

Donations can also be made via their BackaBuddy page: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/akasia-avenue-foundation

Mr Volkwyn can be reached on 084 502 9112.