Operation Winter Warmth 2011
03 Mar 2011
Distribution of Quality Blankets
OPERATION WINTER WARMTH 2011
02 Mar 2011AIF TIMELINE FOR ITS ROBUST WINTER WARMTH OPERATION 2011 1. 27 February 2011 - NIGEL, MPUMALANGA: AIF distributes quality blankets to orphans at the Ansaar Orphanage in Nigel, Gauteng. 2. 3 March 2011 - JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG: AIF team handover blankets to homeless refugees in Johannesburg as part of it's Operation Winter Warmth Campaign 2011. 3. 16 April 2011 - MVEZO, EASTERN CAPE: A team of AIF personnel visit Mvezo, Transkei, Mandela's Birthplace and distributes blankets to the people of the area. In addition, food items were also distributed. Members of the Mandela family, various community leaders and chieftains were also present at the distribution. 4. 4 May 2011 - LEHAE, GAUTENG: Lehae, a poor impoverished township in the southern part of Johannesburg welcomed the warm blankets distributed to them by AIF. This was warmly received by one and all. Young children were also pleased to receive warm hats and gloves as part of AIF's operation Winter Warmth Campaign 2011. 5. 8 May 2011 - LADYSMITH, KZN: The Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMA) held a Health Awareness Programme in Ladysmith, KZN. As part of the programme, the AIF in conjunction with the IMA distributed blankets, warm hats and gloves. The poor patients received blankets while the kids received warm hats and gloves at the health event. The recipients were glad by the gesture. The IMA also thanked the AIF for its initiative in bringing warmth to the poor and destitute this winter. 6. 14 May 2011 - JANE FURSE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE: AIF distributes blankets in Jane Furse, Northern Province. An area which is truly impoverished. The are approximately 6000 orphans and child headed households in this area. AIF conducted a blanket distribution in Jane Furse as part of its operation winter warmth 2011 campaign. AIF featured on Sekhakane Radio for its contributions and helping to uplift the condition of the people of this poor area. 7. 15 May 2011 - MAKOPANE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE: AIF distributed blankets in Lebowakgomo. Members of the Lepelle-Nkumbi Municipality were also present to lend a hand of help to the AIF team. The mayor of the municipality also thanked AIF and the Muslim community for its contributions and not forgetting the plight of fellow South Africans. 8. 21 May 2011 - ALEXANDRA TOWNSHIP, GAUTENG: AIF conducts an assessment of the Alexandra Township, Gauteng with youth from the Marlboro Youth Forum (MYF). The youth were given the opportunity to witness first hand poverty at the footstep of their very own community. Various relief teams comprising of youth visited shacks, homes and informal structures in Alexandra issuing vouchers for blankets. Youngsters were touched and many of their perceptions were changed after their visit to the Alexandra Township. Some have also said that their now appreciate the many blessings bestowed upon them and are convinced that they are much more fortunate than others around them. The community of Alexandra were happy and pleased by this initiative. This initiative will be followed up with a blanket distribution in Marlboro tomorrow. 9. 22 May 2011 - MARLBORO, GAUTENG: A well organized blanket distribution was carried out in Marlboro, Gauteng. The distribution took place from the Marlboro Mosque complex. Residents of Alexandra who were issued with vouchers the previous day were invited to the mosque from where the blanket distribution was conducted. Recipients began arriving early and were also treated to light snacks. Recipients had to provide proof of identification and the vouchers that were issued to them the previous day. Upon signing the AIF track sheet, they then received their blankets. The local media also covered the event. 10. 25 May 2011 - ZAMIMPILO INFORMAL SETTLEMENT, GAUTENG: AIF distributed blankets, beanies and gloves at the Zamimpilo Informal Settlement in Johannesburg, Gauteng today. The day was exceptionally cold with a cold front beginning to grip South Africa. The recipients were glad at the blankest and also indicated that the winter warmers had come at the right time. 11. 28 May 2011: STRAND & KHAYALITSHA, WESTERN CAPE: A successful distribution of blankets took place in Strand with the assistance of Al-Miftaah. Another distribution took place in Khayalitsha as well. The Cape is known to get very cold in the winter and the blankets were warmly received by the recipients. 12. 29 May 2011 - MITCHELLS PLAIN, WESTERN CAPE: The distribution started on a cold morning at 10am. An illegal occupation site in Mitchells Plain was identified and its inhabitants were given warm blankets. 13. 29 May 2011 - KHAYALITSHA, WESTERN CAPE: Another distribution took place in Khayalitsha. This was done in conjunction with the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC). Moulana Abdul Khalek, the Secretary General of the MJC was present at this distribution. The day was quite cold and the much needed blankets came in quite handy. Recipients displayed true appreciation and satisfaction for the kind gesture displayed towards them especially in these harsh days of winter. 14. 29 May 2011 - BONTEHEUWEL, WESTERN CAPE: This distribution really touched hearts as AIF winter warmers were distributed to the old, weak and frail citizens. The old and weak were identified as recipients as part of AIF Operation Winter Warmth 2011 campaign in the suburb of Bonteheuwel. This suburb is home to many poor and needy citizens. 15. 29 May 2011 - MANKWENG, LIMPOPO PROVINCE: AIF planned a community initiative in Polokwane as part of its Operation Winter Warmth 2011 campaign. The community were give an opportunity to experience the distribution of relief aid and blankets at grass root level. This also gave the community an insight to the plight of fellow South African and what humanitarian work entails. The community also learnt as to what the AIF relief teams do on a frequent basis. The day was a memorable day for the young and old as all were given an opportunity put a smile on the faces of fellow South Africans. The community of MANKWENG was the first community that was visited and a blanket distribution was conducted. Shoes were also distributed to poor school learners. Community leaders were also present and praised the AIF initiative and thanked the community of Polokwane for visiting them. 16. 29 May 2011 - MATOK, LIMPOPO PROVINCE: The AIF convoy proceeded to the area of MATOK. The local chief of the area was also present at the distribution and welcomed the AIF team and the community of Polokwane. He also thanked the AIF and the community of Polokwane for remembering them in these cold days. Blankets were distributed in MATOK and the crowds of recipients ululated out of happiness 17. 30 & 31 May 2011 - EAST LONDON, PORT ELIZABETH, QUEENSTOWN, KING WILLIAMS TOWN, SCHORNVILLE, EASTERN CAPE: The first of the many distributions to take place in one of the most under-developed provinces of South Africa-Eastern Cape was kick-started in East London. This set the trend for the many distributions to follow in the Eastern Cape. Various areas were covered and many communities benefitted from AIF’s Operation Winter Warmth 2011. The province of Eastern Cape was earmarked by AIF for major blanket distributions knowing well the poor state of the province. 18. 4 June 2011 - MAMELODI, TSHWANE: GAUTENG: A distribution took place in Mamelodi, north east of Pretoria to poor residents of the area. Community leaders and certain figures of governmental were also present. Various national media covered the event. AIF received resounding praise for bringing relief to this poor community in these days of winter. 19. 14 June 2011: ORANGE FARM, GAUTENG SOUTH: AIF and Proudly South African (PSA) partnered on a winter warm drive today in Orange Farm, Gauteng. Poor learners form the Reitumetse Primary School were identified as recipients for this winter warmth operation and the relevant AIF vouchers were issued . AIF were on hand with PSA stalwarts to facilitate this distribution. Warm hats, gloves and blankets were distributed. Qari Ziyaad Patel of the AIF and the Executive director of PSA also addressed the learners of the school. QZP urged the young learners to study hard and hoped that the winter warmers will keep them warm this winter so that they could concentrate better when doing their homework. Learners from the school and Orange Farm sung a string of praises for AIF and PSA. PSA also praised AIF for making South Africa proud by making a positive difference in the lives of people not only in South Africa, but across the globe. It was a satisfying moment for AIF staff and volunteers knowing that their efforts this winter was making a positive difference and certainly bringing smiles on the faces of the young and innocent kids of our country. 20. 15 June 2011: REFILWE NEAR CULLINAN, NORTH-EAST OF PRETORIA, GAUTENG: A distribution of winter warmers took place at the Refilwe Recreation Centre for the poor resident of the area. Vouchers were issued with the help of the community development officials of the area. 21. 15 June 2011: OLIEVENHOUTBOSCH & MAMELODI, NORTH-EAST OF PRETORIA, GAUTENG: This distribution took place for the residents of Olievenhoutbosch and Mamelodi. Vouchers were issued way in advance to the needy residents identified by the department of Community Development. The distribution went well and in a well-coordinated fashion. The gesture was well received by all, knowing that the tomorrow is Youth Day, an excellent initiative by a fairly young organisation. 22. 16 June 2011: MAYFAIR, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG: AIF distributed blankets to the homeless people in the Mayfair area. The distribution was well-organised. A challenge was the distribution of vouchers as the many homeless lacked proper identification documents. Nevertheless, AIF worked around the clock to make sure that all recipients were verified and appropriate vouchers were issued in order to abide by AIF procedures and protocols. AIF also made sure that the homeless received quality winter warmers. Co-incidentally it was Youth Day and this distribution in particular encompassed many young volunteers. It was a memorable experience for the youth. The homeless were grateful and many mentioned that at least they have something to protect them from the icy cold this winter. From the many distributions carried out across the country, this one in particular was heart touching. 23. 16 June 2011: DURBAN, KZN: AIF in conjunction with Minara Chamber of Commerce did a blanket distribution with Az-Zahra Girls Orphanage where blankets were distributed to the needy and old. Once again, the youth were involved in this distribution truly reflecting the essence of Youth Day. 24. 16 June 2011: CHATSWORTH, DURBAN, KZN: AIF in conjunction with Rahmatul Lil Alameen Musjid Society also did a blanket distribution in Westcliff Chatsworth where blankets were distributed to the needy recipients. This areas is known to be a poor area in the Durban vicinity. 25. 17 June 2011: DURBAN, KZN: The Al-Imdaad Foundation in conjunction with Baitul-Noor did a blanket distribution with Isiwe Islamic Dawah Movement where blankets were distributed to the needy students. 26. 17 June 2011: DURBAN, KZN: Another distribution was also conducted by Al-Imdaad Foundation in conjunction with Baitul-Noor at Anjuman Childrens home where blankets were distributed to the needy students. The gesture was truly appreciated by the children and needy students. 27. 18 June 2011: KWA MAKHUTHA & VERULAM, KZN: Al-Imdaad Foundation in conjunction with Munazzamat Al-Dawa Al Islamiyya distributed blankets to the needy recipients in Kwa Makhutha location and also distributed blankets to the needy students of the Veruleum Girls Islamic Madressah. 28. 18 June 2011: HAMMANSKRAAL, MANDELA HALL, GAUTENG: This distribution took place for the poor people of Hammanskraal. Officials from the City of Tshwane and volunteers from the area made the distribution a smooth one. The winter warmers which included quality blankets, warm hats and gloves was well received by the community. 29. 23 JUNE 2011: DUNDEE, NORTHERN KZN: AIF togthere with the local community of Dundee and the local municipality distributed blankets to the poor and needy recipients in the nearby townships and the surrounding areas. The project was hailed a success. 30. 28 JUNE 2011: ERMELO, MPUMALANGA: A major distribution of hundreds of quality blankets which were provided by AIF was distributed in the local township of Wesselton. Once again, this was a joint initiative by AIF, the local Muslim community and the Municiplaity of Ermelo. AIF personnle worked hard to make this distribution a resounding success. 31. 28 JUNE 2011: LENASIA, GAUTENG: A distribution for the elderly was held at the Valiamama Memorial Hall In Lenasia Ext 3. Assistance was also rendered by the Lenasia Muslim Youth Foundation (Girls Wing) in conducting the distribution. The blankets and warm hats were well-received by the elderly women and thanked AIF for winter warmers as the last few days has really been cold in Gauteng. 32. 30 JUNE 2011: SOSHANGUVE, TSHWANE, GAUTENG: AIF in partnership with the Metro Home City Group concluded a winter warmth distribution for the residents of Soshanguve, Mamelodi and surroudung areas. It was a heartfel sight to notice old aged citizens. Some were in their 90's. They bore the cold just to receive their warm blankets and food parcels. High valued food parcels were also distributed as the recipients of this Social Corporate Initiative were elderly. 33. 5 JULY 2011: LAWLEY, SOUTHERN JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG: The Al Imdaad Foundation (AIF) was honoured with the presence of Al-Sheik Sheikh Abu Bakr Al-Shatri of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a world renowned reciter of the Holy Quraan, at a distribution of winter warmers in Lawley, Southern Johannesburg on Tuesday, 5 July 2011. Coincidently, the day was bitterly cold and the recipients were privileged to have received their warm blankets by his hand. The Sheikh has been a long-time well-wisher of The Al Imdaad Foundation and has also inaugurated AIF’s UK office. Various Ulema who accompanied the Sheik to AIF’s winter warmth distribution also participated in this momentous occasion. 34. 5 JULY 2011: MAHLABATINI/VERULAM, KZN: The Al-Imdaad Foundation in conjunction with Muazzamat Al Dawah Al Islamiyya distributed blankets to the needy recipients of Mahlabatini in Veruleum. 35. 6 JULY 2011: MEREBANK, DURBAN, KZN: The Al-Imdaad Foundation in conjunction with the Minara Chamber of Commerce distributed blankets to the needy recipients of Merebank where the Honorable Mayor of EThekwini Mr. James Xumalo was present. This was also a highlight for AIF. The mayor was pleased at AIF's initiative this cold winter
South Africa is generally a sunny country but climate change seems to be influencing this norm. In the north and east of the country, the climate is sub tropical and towards the coastal areas, it is Mediterranean. The central regions have a continental climate, often cold at night but hot during the day. KwaZulu Natal has a sub tropical climate with high humidity in summer. The southern Gauteng region has hot summers with occasional thundershowers and frosty winters, while the lowveld has mild winters. The Cape interior and the Free State have similar weather conditions to the southern Gauteng region. The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Some inland areas like the Karoo and the high mountain ranges experience frost and snow in winter. In recent years, the trend seems to be changing drastically. Winters are becoming more severe and harsh. This impacts the lives of the thousands of impoverished and poor citizens in South Africa adversely. One also needs to take into cognisance the many destitute and homeless people that can be found in South Africa today. There are also many refugees who also reside and live in South Africa under hard and harsh conditions. These various impoverished communities in South Africa are always appreciative for the blankest that the Al-Imdaad Foundation distributes every winter making it’s Operation Winter Warmth one of the largest in the country. In fact, these communities look forward to receiving AIF’s quality blankets, warm hats and gloves every winter season.
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