​​Driven by their passion and love for people, members of the Shofar Christian Church in Stellenbosch distributed over 750 food parcels to Stellenbosch University (SU) students remaining at residences during the lockdown period.

“Our commitment is to provide support to the furthest extent that our means allows us; we choose to be actively part of this Stellenbosch community," said the spokesperson for the church, Mr Sias le Roux.

Le Roux said they wanted to show the student community that they cared about them and only wanted them to grow closer to God in these trying times.

“Our giving is not conditional to receive something back; we are simply compelled by the love of Christ to support the community we are part of."

Le Roux said the relationship between SU goes as far back as 1991, which was when Shofar Christian Church committed itself to helping students and registering at the institution as a student society.

He said as a church they became aware of the student needs in their own congregation, which consists of over 1 000 SU students. “This is not the first time we have supported the University.

“Our ongoing support is part of our commitment to the Stellenbosch community. The most recent example that comes to mind is the unfortunate incident of the fire at Huis ten Bosch, where various resources were involved in our operations to provide support to those affected," he added.

Le Roux thanked Pioneer Foods for the generous donation. “We are also involved in the giving of food parcels at Cloetesville and Kayamandi communities here in Stellenbosch," he said.

Senior Director of Social Impact and Transformation at SU Dr Leslie van Rooi said they wanted to thank Shofar Christian Church for their willingness and effort to donate almost 800 food parcels to the SU students.

“We receive this with gratitude and thank you for the fact that your delivery did not stop on campus and that you also support food security in vulnerable communities in and around Stellenbosch," he said.

Lewis Mboko, Chairperson of the Students Representative Council (SRC), said they were very grateful for the support that they have been receiving as students. “We might be going through a tough time, but these are also moments that show us how the community can work together towards the same goal," he said.

“We should not stop here, but continue with this wonderful work to assist other communities that are in need. As student leaders, we are currently working on capturing off-campus students who stayed behind during lockdown so that they may also be provided with the necessary support," said Mboko.

Some of the contents in the food parcels donated by Shofar Christian Church included 1 kg oats, two packs of noodles, four fruit bars, sugar, milk, chips and a telephone number to call for those who have prayer requests and who are in need of further support.

The next donation will be made on 10 April 2020. Students are encouraged to send a WhatsApp or SMS to 0812535574 for additional food parcels.