On the day that The Ark City of Refuge opened its doors in June 1992 in response to the extremely high rate of homelessness and unemployment in the Western Cape, its founders could never have imagined one day launching a fully-fledged farm sustaining a kitchen that feeds 3 000 people every day.
Since their inception, some 65 000 people have walked through their gates in need of help. Currently, they average about 950 people of which 205 are women, 264 children and youth, and 475 men.
At the helm of this sanctuary stands pastor Jack Mahoney, a beacon of light for those lost in the shadows of destitution.
“The Ark provides a loving and caring temporary home, food and clothing to destitute, homeless, abandoned, abused, unemployed women, children and men,” he shares.
These men and women are usually referred the organisation by general hospitals, the department of home affairs, shelters, trauma centres, and families. Others arrive at their gates from the streets, foreign African countries, as well as from families who have given up on their loved ones.
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From garden patch to small-scale farm
For decades, The Ark has offered those in need not only shelter but a chance at redemption. It is a place where the broken find solace and the hungry find nourishment.
Central to The Ark’s mission is its growing farm which started as a patch of land with basic vegetables.
After a visit from Royal Salt, the garden patch was extended with a medium-sized tunnel. Soon thereafter, the farm grew into a full blown organic farm with a mixture of crops that are used in the kitchen. They also have fruit trees, donated by Greenpop.
“We also cater for our school learners with a patch of ground where they can grow their own crops and learn more about agriculture. Our farm is well managed by Anna Kritzinger and also supported by the Western Cape department of agriculture whose vision is for the farm to be enlarged,” says Mahoney.
Meals made with love
But it is in the heart of the kitchen that the true magic unfolds. What began with a humble primus stove and a pot, has evolved into a fully-fledged kitchen.
“As the number of mouths to feed increased, large stoves, pots and other utensils were supplied to meet the needs. We now have 2×140-litre oil pots, ovens, a deep fryer and even a walk-in fridge.”
From the sounds of cooking to the smell of baking bread, every dish is made with care and love.
For Mahoney and his team, the kitchen is more than just a place of sustenance, it is a symbol of hope, a beacon of light in the darkest of times.
A recent donation of a new industrial cooking pot, valued at R40 000, means that The Ark can continue preparing approximately 3 000 nutritious daily meals.
“The need for food assistance in the community remains high and when our old pot started acting up, we were faced with a major challenge.
“Now, because of Shoprite’s continued assistance, we can remain unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry,” Mahoney said.
Shoprite has supported The Ark since its inception in 1992, including through regular donations of surplus food as well as an investment into its community food garden.
The kitchen staff starts the day as early as 05:00 and often only finishes at 19:00.
“We have relied on prayer and God’s answers to our prayers to make sure that the residents have never missed a meal. Food donors include private individuals, churches, and food suppliers.”
The kitchen also helps other non-profit organisations by supplying food to them when they have an excess. “We support local soup kitchens, crèches, old aged homes and battling households in the community that are living below the bread line.”
In this humble sanctuary is proof that it truly takes a village to change the world.
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