The Catholic Order of the Knights of da Gama has expressed heartfelt gratitude to shoppers at two East London supermarkets for their continued support of its long-running “Collect a Can — Feed the Hungry” initiative.
The project, which has now been running for 31 years, collects non-perishable food items to support vulnerable households across Buffalo City.
Monthly collections take place on the second Saturday at Nick’s SuperSpar in Berea and on the last Saturday at Spargs SuperSpar in Beacon Bay.
Between January and December 2025, a total of 3,753 tins were collected across both sites — 1,848 at Nick’s and 1,905 at Spargs, with an estimated value of R86,319.
In addition, 119 packets of “soft goods” such as tea, sugar, rice and biscuits were donated, valued at approximately R17,850.
Cash donations totalling R9,468 were also received and used to purchase essential items not covered by the physical collections.
The total value of the project for the year stood at R113,637.
From these contributions, the Knights were able to assemble 430 food parcels for distribution to families in need.
Charles Hutchinson, secretary of the Knights of da Gama, told the Go!, on Monday, the ongoing support from the public has been exceptional.
“We wish to thank the patrons of both Spar outlets who so generously support this project every month. The response from the community has been phenomenal,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson said the initiative continues to highlight the power of community-driven support in addressing hunger and food insecurity in the region.
