Capricorn provides food to vulnerable communities

The Capricorn Foundation, in the financial year 2022-2023, committed N$504 000 to the Gondwana Care Trust – MealforTwo project for 300,000 meals and the installation of self-sufficiency gardens for beneficiaries. Food security in Namibia remains a big concern. For this reason, through its partnership with the Gondwana Care Trust, the Capricorn Foundation has provided much-needed food assistance to vulnerable communities.

“I recently had the opportunity to visit one of the MealForTwo project beneficiaries, the Lighthouse Community of Hope, in Katutura. The centre supports over 30 children as part of their afternoon programme and where the first greenhouse as part of the programme was installed. This track record shows Gondwana's commitment to social investment and community support, which aligns with the Capricorn Foundation’s vulnerability focus areas and purpose to be a Connector of Positive Change in our communities,” said Veripura Muukua, Capricorn Foundation Coordinator.

Since its launch in 2019, the MealForTwo project, a flagship initiative of the Gondwana Care Trust, has partnered with Bank Windhoek to donate 815 000 meals. Surplus meat from the Gondwana butchery was initially provided to soup kitchens, nursing homes, and school hostels. In 2019, a formal partnership with Bank Windhoek enabled the Trust to supply dry goods and meat donations. Amid challenging economic times, the project's success has grown, attracting more donors. Since 2022, the Capricorn Foundation has been sponsoring the initiative, expanding its impact on vulnerable communities.

"We express our gratitude for our partnership with the Capricorn Foundation, which generously enabled the Gondwana Care Trust to start with the greenhouse project. Previously, the sun scorched their vegetables at the Lighthouse Community of Hope, and crows devoured their entire tomato harvest. Thanks to this support, vulnerable individuals can now grow essential produce, ensuring meals for children at the learning centre. Their joy is immeasurable," expressed Quintin Hartung, Environmental and Social Impact Manager at Gondwana.

The Gondwana Care Trust began as a philanthropic passion project driven by employees. In 2017, the Trust was formalised, and a trust deed was outlined to focus their efforts away from charity and towards impact. With the Trustees' focus on direct impact, all funds (apart from banking fees) go to sustainable projects.