As a company that cares deeply about the communities in which it operates, Engen has partnered with the Gift of the Givers to provide food relief to the South Durban community, distributing 1 000 food hampers to residents impacted by the national lockdown and COVID-19 pandemic.

Collection of the pre-packed food parcels kicked off on Thursday, 14 May 2020 at the Blue Roof community centre in Wentworth.

Adhering to strict health and safety lockdown protocols, community members from Wentworth, Merebank, Merewent, Lamontville and Umlazi will receive their allocated parcels between 9am-12pm from 14-19 May.

Engen Refinery General Manager, Sykry Hassim says Engen’s caring spirit drives its desire to step up and take proactive steps to assist vulnerable community members in these challenging times.

“We truly care for those impacted by this pandemic and we hope to bring some relief to our neighbours in need during the national lockdown, which has had a severe impact on many vulnerable households in South Durban,” says Hassim.

Engen’s contribution to the fight against COVID-19 includes a number of other investments, including: R500k to the National Solidarity Fund, R2.5m fuel and medical testing equipment to the Gift of the Givers for humanitarian relief, and R1 million worth of fuel to the Department of Health for the use of frontline health workers to power their emergency response vehicles.

Recently Engen also launched a campaign to support the fight against COVID-19 by educating local communities on safety measures to curb the spread of the virus by branding 35 spaza shops across the country with educational murals to convey important messages on personal safety.

In Gauteng, Engen fuel retailers brought some hope and relief to the people of Diepsloot by distributing food hampers and basic supplies, including blankets.

“While we know it will take much more to alleviate the stress that many of our neighbours are facing, we hope our contribution will make a small difference to each person who receives the comfort of a helping hand as a result of our efforts,” adds Hassim.