In the fiscal year 2022/2023, the Capricorn Foundation pledged N.dollars 504 000 to the Gondwana Care Trust – MealForTwo initiative, aimed at providing 300 000 meals and establishing self-sufficiency gardens for the recipients.
Veripura Muukua, the Coordinator of the Capricorn Foundation, shared with Nampa on Monday that the MealForTwo project, a flagship endeavor of the Gondwana Care Trust, has distributed a total of 815 000 meals since its inception in 2019. Initially, surplus meat from the Gondwana butchery was distributed to soup kitchens, elderly homes, and school hostels. In 2019, thanks to an official partnership with Bank Windhoek, the Trust expanded its donations to include dry items and meat.
Despite economic challenges, the project’s success has continued to grow, attracting new supporters. The Capricorn Foundation has been sponsoring the initiative since 2022, thereby amplifying its impact in vulnerable areas.
‘I had the recent opportunity to visit one of the beneficiaries of the MealForTwo project, the Lighthouse Community of Hope in Katutura. This centre supports over 30 children as part of their afternoon programme, and it is where the first greenhouse was installed as part of the program. This track record underscores Gondwana’s commitment to social investment and community support, which aligns with the Capricorn Foundation’s focus on vulnerable areas and its mission to act as a Connector of Positive Change in our communities,’ she remarked.
According to Muukua, the Gondwana Care Trust initially began as a philanthropic passion project driven by employees. In 2017, the Trust was formalised, and a trust deed was established to redirect their efforts from charity to impactful projects. With the trustees’ dedication to achieving direct impact, all funds (excluding banking fees) are directed towards sustainable initiatives.
Quintin Hartung, the Environmental and Social Impact Manager at Gondwana, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Capricorn Foundation, which generously initiated the greenhouse project for the Gondwana Care Trust.
‘Previously, the scorching sun damaged their vegetables at the Lighthouse Community of Hope, and crows devoured their entire tomato harvest. Thanks to this support, vulnerable individuals can now cultivate essential produce, ensuring meals for the children at the learning centre. Their joy is immeasurable,’ he commented.