CHRISTMAS lunches were last week served at three charities in Nelson Mandela Bay as part of the ‘70 Festive Tables of Hope’ initiative, run by Sovereign Foods in conjunction with PE Express.
The initiative, which is held in celebration of PE Express’ 35th birthday, as well as Sovereign Foods’ 70th birthday, will provide festive season banquet meals to vulnerable individuals cared for or supported by 70 registered charities and welfare organisations in the metro over December.
The beneficiaries are all from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
Readers of PE Express were invited to nominate beneficiary organisations such as registered NGOs and charities caring for vulnerable communities.
Three of these charities were selected for a banquet held by Sovereign Foods at the charity’s premises which were turned into beautiful dining halls.
The three beneficiaries, where lunch was served, were the Malabar Home for the Aged on Wednesday, the Rosa Munch Old Age Home in Uitenhage on Thursday, and the Sinethemba Children’s Care Centre in Standford Road, Korsten on Friday.
Staff of Sovereign Foods and PE Express were on hand at all the lunches to help serve the Christmas meals. The meals were prepared by members of Sovereign Foods’ cooking clubs.
At the Sinethemba Children’s Care Centre a marquee was erected in the yard on the premises. Beneath it was a long, beautifully decorated table, filled to the brim with treats for the more than 30 children who attended. A jumping castle that was specially erected for them ensured that they had built up a big appetite for the chicken nuggets, pops and vegetables they were served.
The elderly residents at the old age homes were served roast chicken, vegetables and dessert in true Christmas tradition.
The rest of the chosen beneficiaries will, after confirming their NPO status online, each receive a big Christmas hamper from Sovereign Foods, with which they will prepare their own festive meals.