Growing up in North End, Leslie Ragaval and Cedric Pringle say the spirit of community encouraged families to support and provide for one another.
Years on, they hope to reinvigorate this stewardship with the North End Foundation (NEF) founded by former North End youth of the 1970s and ‘80s.
The 21 members of East London High School’s class of 1980, who were raised in North End, and are eager to use their professional networks and experience to provide relief for vulnerable people across the metro.
Established in October last year, the foundation has provided meals for 50,000 people, conducted eye tests for 3,000 children, dispensed spectacles to two schools, provided disaster relief support for flood victims in Komani and facilitated the reinstatement of the emergency helicopter at East London Airport.
Lost due to corruption and mismanagement, the emergency helicopter’s removal from the airport debilitated disaster relief in far flung areas across the region however with help from Red Cross AMS, NEF secured the helicopters return to the airport in December last year.
Pringle explains that NEF positions itself as a support medium between existing NGOs and the private sector especially because of the financial backing from businessman and founder of IBEC and IBFC Reggie Naidoo.
“We support 30 local NGOs who have been doing important work from feeding to skills development, for years.
“These NGOs are struggling to survive financially.
“For instance, they receive donations from shops but do not have vehicles or fuel to fetch the goods.
“This is where we come in, because we can provide the support for them that will enable them to continue doing their necessary work.
“We support NGOs from Parkside all the way to East Bank, to Duncan Village and we hope to start establishing a network in Mdantsane.
“Some of the NGOs we work with include Open Hands, Small Projects Foundation, Masithethe Counselling Services and various old age homes and churches,” Pringle said.
Though only operational for a few months, the foundation has set itself steep goals that range from implementing skills development programs to securing a plot of land and a building from which to work and farm.
NEF operations manager Vuyo Gayiya said: “Our benefactors, which include SPAR, Nick’s Foods, Premier Bakery and Food Lovers Market, know exactly where their food is going and they receive regular feedback from us.
“Our aim is uplift, build and enhance the lives of the disadvantaged.
“We hope to assist many in East London through good management and the amazing support of our volunteers and suppliers.
For more information about the organisation, contact Leslie Ragaval at: leslie@weblink.co.za.
