The Bpi Foundation has been involved in many activities which easily reach ‘middle class’ and/or perhaps a well positioned populace. When COVID19 hit and the hard lockdown was instituted, this unfortunate occurrence gave many around the world an opportunity to reflect on the real challenges faced by ordinary people in communities of different societies, on a daily basis.

South Africa was no exception. If anything, it was amongst the hardest hit. Together with our partner organisations, the Bpi Foundation NPC went deep into rooting ourselves fully in the very communities which we seek to serve and transform. In this instance, this was done through undertaking an ambitious Community Outreach Programme (COP), which sought to deliver thousands of loaves of bread to different vulnerable communities nationwide, over a prolonged period (hardlockdown duration).

We got to see first hand and be reminded how much South Africans are struggling. Disposable poverty which one human being needs to be subjevted to. People would stand the whole day in ques which would sometimes stretch for over a kilometre, just to revive on or two loaves of bread. Though this project/programme made a huge difference, it was merely a drop in the ocean in the fight against poverty. This kind of lack is wrong. We are fairly fulfilled to have played quite a significant role in bringing meaningful relief during a time of need.