JOHANNESBURG – When Starbucks Parkhurst donated 100 reusable items to Bet on Better NPO after a community walk on May 10, founder Nanine Levitz had no idea what would be donated. She was thinking about her hands.
Winter mornings are painful in Groot Mariko. Bet on Better's soup kitchen brings together families every week.
Grandparents raising grandchildren. A mother skips meals to feed her child.
Pensioners are in too many mouths.
For them, it meant warmth, care and comfort.
They will come back with their stuff.
“Some people see a cup as just a cup,” Levitz said.
“For us, it brings dignity and kindness.”
Bet on Better began with a decision to catch people falling through the cracks.
From soup kitchens and blanket distribution to dignity packs and education assistance, this nonprofit organization is active before sunrise and long after the pots are washed.
The hardest part is that the needs are growing.
While donations are decreasing, the number of households seeking assistance is increasing.
Still, Levitz says the generosity is surprising.
“Often the people who give the most are the ones who have the least.”
The walk showed that spirit.
Strangers connected, businesses stepped up, and donations provided a lifeline for families heading into winter.
Bet on Better is asking the public to help support the town over the winter.
In addition to food, the kitchen urgently needs cooking oil, gas, firewood, blankets, warm clothing, socks, and beanies.
Weekly support is more important than one-time support because hunger doesn't wait.
