Roesdiya Jacobs had been working successfully within the catering business for two years before Covid-19 happened. When her business took a hit, she found employment and purpose with Crowd1. Together with a group of motivated women, Rosie helped put together a sandwich drive in South Africa with positive outcomes.
What made you want to do the sandwich drive?
“My reason for wanting to do this was because I know what it is to have nothing at all. I have worked at my school for many years and witnessed poverty firsthand. Some children have little or nothing for days on end. We, who are able to, should be humane and help where we can. Like my four-year-old granddaughter, Azrah says: Sharing is caring.”
How did it get started?
“On the 18th of December 2020, Malikah Elgram approached via WhatsApp and asked me if I would like to be a part of the “Slices of Love” sandwich drive. I did not hesitate to say yes. I suggested that we ask for donations from members within our group chats and offered that the sandwiches be prepared at my house.”
Left: Roesdiya Jacobs
Who helped to organise it?
“Malikah plays a huge role in the posting of what is needed in all of the group chats. I sent a list to her on Sunday with what we’d need and by Monday donations started streaming in. What we were short of on Wednesday, my very helpful husband Raschid, sorted out.”
What have you learned from this?
“By doing this for the last three weeks, there is no greater feeling than seeing a sad face changing into one of sheer happiness all due to a sandwich. What a blessing it is.”
Is this something you will continue with?
“We will definitely continue doing this on a regular basis, and we have decided that as the days get colder, we will provide soup and warm meals.”
