In order to answer so many questions the seniors have about street people knocking at their doors and laying around in their areas, management invited Mrs Anelle Erasmus from MES. She delivered a very informative talk about the various pitfalls and the role that MES plays in our society. MES = Mould, Empower, Serve are based on Christian principles. This organisation support and reach out with compassion, love and care to those living on the streets. They encourage and motivate through positive communication. Further they treat these people with respect and fairness irrespective of their religion, race, gender, age, cultural background. Many questions were asked which Mrs Erasmus answered positively. The solution to our problems is that it is important for individuals to support the ‘GIVING RESPONSIBLE” CAMPAIGN. Do not give out food, blankets or money on the streets – this creates a dependency cycle which becomes difficult to break. Rather support the MES vouchers system. A meal or shelter voucher purchased and handed to the person in need. The vouchers immediately puts the person in contact with MES. Once the person is at MES they can start offering professional services to the person in need. This is the only way a person can be assisted and start the long road to be made whole again. Different ways to assist MES is to donate food, blankets, toiletries and clothes which they distribute in a responsible manner to the needy. This was a very instructive morning to all the members who attend the session.
