More than 80 households made up of orphans and vulnerable children in Vhembe received food parcels and school uniforms during the Special Day for Children organized by the Far North Health Care Centre. The function took place at Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Centre last Wednesday.

An extended arm of the Department of Health and Social Development, Far North Health Care is a non-profit organization aimed at community development through fighting against poverty, HIV/Aids, poverty and underdevelopment.

The food parcels worth more than R40 000 were sponsored by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Voluntary Service Overseas, Aids Foundation of South Africa, the National Lottery, Department of Health and Social Development, Nkhumeleni Bus Service and Munakisi Florist, Catering and Decoration.

When addressing the guests, the Community Service Manager of Vhembe District Municipality, Mr Alex Nemakonde said that the municipality is very impressed about what the Far North Health Care Centre is doing to build the community. He said that it is good to invest in children because they need support so that they can rule this country with dignity, when they grow up.

He said that although the government is doing its best to fight poverty, there is still much to be done as there are still people who go to bed on empty stomachs. "Partnerships of this nature between our municipality, non-profit organizations and the Department of Health and Social Development are bearing fruits because they are alleviating poverty in our communities."

Nemakonde thanked the sponsors for their kind hearts. "They have displayed what community building is all about and I believe that others will follow suit. This will send a strong message to the community that it is good to come together and assist those who cannot do anything for themselves."