COVID-19 Winter Relief Initiative Update

Since the beginning of June, Johannesburg has experienced low temperatures which marked the arrival of winter. This, in addition to the continued lockdown regulations being imposed by the government, to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, has resulted in challenging living conditions for the many disadvantaged communities in South Africa.

On 27 June, the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa – Johannesburg, undertook its monthly nutrition distribution in Greyville, south of Johannesburg. On this day, 100 families reaching approximately 300 beneficiaries from disadvantaged backgrounds were provided with grocery and vegetable hampers during this tough period. These hampers contained essential items such as rice, porridge, milk, can beans, soap, sanitary towels, potatoes, butternut, onions and fresh fruit.

As part of the Centre's Sri Sarada Devi Women's Forum: Women’s Empowerment Programme, literature on simple yoga exercises (based on this year’s International Yoga Day theme – “Yoga for Health, Yoga at Home”) was handed out during the distribution to encourage physical well-being. Additionally, children received literature with key lessons to promote character building.

The Centre is at all times adhering to the rules as gazetted by Government and will maintain strict protocols during the distribution. We place on record our gratitude to the SAPS for granting our Centre a permit to undertake this important work.

The following items were donated:

Vegetables : 700kg potates, 330kg Oranges, 140kg butternut, 231kg onions.

Groceries : 200kg rice, 100kg porridge, 100 loaves of bread.

Hygiene products : 200 bath soap, 200 packs of sanitary towels, 300 face masks.

Literature : 100 Pamphlets to encourage physical well-being at home, 30 children's packs to promote character building.



The officials of the Johannesburg Centre met with senior staff members from Greyville Primary School in Lenasia, to understand the challenges faced, in preparation of the scholars return to school. The Centre donated 100 face masks to the school, which will be given to scholars who cannot afford to purchase face masks.

The Johannesburg Centre extends a heartfelt appreciation to all our donors, voluntary workers and well-wishers for their continued support

For futher information, please contact : Mr Naresh Ramatar - Chairman (082 923 6537)

"Service to man, is worship of God" - Swami Vivekananda

If you would like to support this initiative, please use the following banking details. Value per hamper R300 each. If you would like a Section 18A Tax Certificate, subject to SARS compliance requirements, please contact an offical listed below.

Name : Ramakrishna Centre of SA - Johannesburg

Nedbank - Fordsburg - 195305

Account Number : 1953440177

Reference : CV19+ surname and initials