Operation Blessing Foundation (OBF), a non-profit organisation in Observatory, helps those living in poverty.
OBF director Michu Mushiya says she started the organisation in 2017, after her 18-year-old son died when he fell from a roof while doing a casual job.
“My son did not have a full-time job, he was offered this odd job and the impact of poverty resulted in him losing his life on an odd job.”
Among its activities, OBF runs feeding schemes for street people, distributes food parcels to poor households, helps needy refugees and supports families who can’t afford funerals for their loved ones. It also provides computer and sewing skills to the unemployed.
The organisation started in Bellville but moved to Observatory two years ago. It gets support from private donors who provide non-perishable foods, but Ms Mushiya said the pandemic had dealt a blow to its operations. “Most times we do not have enough food to help everyone or money to support people in need,” she said.
Fiston Thinbalanga, who lives in Brooklyn with his wife and five children, said OBF had been very helpful during lockdown. “They supplied us with groceries and financial support and they came directly to us.”
He added: “They also provided us with counselling during difficult times.”
To support OBF, contact Ms Mishiya at 074 328 7341 or email operationblessingfoundation@gmail.com. Visit operationblessingfoundation.org for more information.
