The 2017 Bags-of-Love Campaign got off to a great start with a ceremonial stakeholders gathering in the office of Overstrand Executive Mayor, Ald Rudolph Smith, who has generously lent his support to the cause by becoming its Patron.
Now in its tenth year, the endeavour is aimed at distributing bags of essential grocery items to the neediest families in the area. Run by the Hermanus Conference of Saint Vincent de Paul, the program has drawn widespread support from Rotary, various church groups, Eastcliff Spar and a host of individual donors.
Interest has grown steadily over the years to the point where more than 1000 bags were filled and distributed during the 2016 campaign. This year, the organisers aspire to increase the number of bags distributed even more and have appealed to the public, business, churches and concerned parties to donate to this worthy drive. At the launch of the campaign, Cllr Gillion said, “I will donate 2 bags, and I challenge my fellow councillors, and Overstrand officials to better that. I also urge all those who can, to contribute in whichever way possible. This way, we can meet the needs of even more families in dire straits and hopefully this Christmas won’t be as bleak for them.”
The bags are filled at a charge of R165-00 and donors, while shopping at Eastcliff Spar Hermanus, can simply ask the cashier to add this cost to their purchases. Alternatively, a monetary donation can be made directly into the following bank account – details: Account name SVP-Bags of Love, ABSA Bank, Hermanus Branch, Account number 925 114 2278. All funds donated will be used to make up bags which will be distributed by Saint Vincent de Paul to those in need in the community.