67 Minutes of Goodwill
By Jameelah Ebrahim
Helping Hands is a non-profit organisation, registered with the Department of Social Development and was established in 2015. Before its inception, Helping Hands has been busy in the community of Hanover Park, catering for the community by initiating uplifting programs and soup kitchens. Last week, the NPO, hosted a Mandela Day initiative and has had their 67 minutes of goodwill, whereby 400 Hanover Park residents, found their way to 32 Johnvlei Walk, where they were served a delicious plate of chicken curry and chicken breyani with a tin of Sprite soft drink.
Patrick Bayman, director of Helping Hands, together with his able-bodied wife, Elaine and equally capable public relations officer, Eleanor Williams, has worked tirelessly to give their community a Mandela Day to remember. The Mandela Day feeding initiative was sponsored by Coca Cola, which made the day a huge success. “Hanover Park is a beautiful community with beautiful people and much potential. Because of unemployment and subsequent gangsterism and drug abuse, our people are left behind. We as an upliftment and empowering institution wants to restore dignity and self-worth in our people. Mandela Day was a way of giving back to our community”, says Patrick.
Throughout the lockdown, Helping Hands has been instrumental in elevating hunger as they served 2000 meals per month to many families that have been hit by unemployment, lay-offs and loss of income.
Thanks to individual donors and corporate assistance they were able to do what their name signifies, being a Helping Hand in time of need.
If you would like to know more about the NPO or how you can assist, please contact Patrick Bayman on 061 300 3127 , or visit their Facebook page, Isaiah60one Helping Hands Ministry. Helping Hands is indeed a light at the end of the dark tunnel.
ABOUT HELPING HANDS
Helping Hands was founded on the scripture of Isaiah 61. The director of Helping hands, Mr Patrick Bayman, together with his wife Elaine as well as PR and Treasurer, Eleanor Williams, form the backbone of this organisation. Without their commitment and dedication in sustaining the NPO, it would not have been where it is now. They have a passion for the community and its people, no sacrifice is too big for them. The organisation is run from Mr. and Mrs. Bayman’s home in Johnvlei Walk, Hanover Park and their place has become a little haven for kids and adults alike in the community as they are always available when being called upon.
Without any assistance by the government, Helping Hands has been of existence for the last 7 years. An estimated amount of 600 adults and children benefit from this endeavour and the numbers are growing each year as more people become aware of this community initiative.