The Noordhoek Farm Village was abuzz with activity on Mandela Day as far south residents took a crack at the world record for making the most sandwiches in an hour.
The initiative was that of Ladles for Love, a volunteer-run NPO soup kitchen in Cape Town which provides healthy food to people in need.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, it has expanded and aims to feed a million people a month with help from its volunteers and donors.
Ladles for Love founder Danny Dilliberto said the goal had been to make 125 000 sandwiches in an hour, and, to everyone’s surprise, the record had been smashed with 304 583 sandwiches received. The current world record is 57 662.
Sandwiches were collected from 13 depots across the Western Cape and taken to the Ladles of Love head office at GrandWest.
“This attempt wasn’t just about breaking the record, our aim is to change the Covid-19 story and demonstrate the true spirit of ubuntu and continue feeding the hungry,” said Mr Dilliberto.
The generosity of Capetonians was overwhelming, he said.
“Madiba magic was all over the Mother City on Saturday.”
The sandwiches fed more than
300 000 people.
Fish Hoek residents Kate Parr, Yvonne Spreeth, Melody Herbst and her grandson, Seth Tsuro, also contributed to the world record.
Ms Parr and Ms Spreeth contributed two loaves of bread while
Ms Herbst and Mr Tsuro contributed one loaf. “When the Mandela Day challenge came up, I immediately tried to
motivate Fish Hoek residents and surrounds to participate,” Ms Parr
said.
The real action, she said, had been at the Noordhoek Farm Village where sandwich deliveries and collections had taken place.
“Locals of all ages were involved, and it was heart-warming. I burst into joyful tears when I heard we had broken the world record. The feeling of having been a small part of this unbelievable achievement was overwhelming,” she said.
Another participant was Noordhoek resident Dr Gerry Norris.
He said several family members and friends had joined in to make some sandwiches and the experience had been “exhilarating.”
The group contributed 40 loaves, which was about 360 sandwiches.
He said the buzz at the Noordhoek Farm Village had been a “a boost for all during these difficult Covid-19 times”.
For more information on Ladles of Love, visit their Facebook page or find them on Twitter or Instagram.
