Antoinette Seronne grew up near Fisantekraal. Her dad worked for Corobrick and her mom on the Denny’s mushroom farm. They moved to Fisantekraal in 2000 when the first houses were built.
In 2020, during the pandemic, thirty-four-year-old Antoinette found herself in a position where her cupboards were bare. With two daughters to feed, giving in to despair was not an option for this go-getter. She dug deep for inspiration in this dire situation, and with just R5 worth of airtime she searched and found support for herself and her community: Sprouting Minds and Mercy Aids came to her rescue.
Since then, Antoinette has been running a soup kitchen feeding about 200 people from her home. With the help of Sprouting Minds - another of our amazing Outreach Partners - she has created her own vegetable and herb garden. Even though her space is severely restricted, she still manages to feed the 120 children and 80 adults whilst also maintaining a strict standard of hygiene.
Due to a gas shortage, she can only prepare meals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and even this is only possible due to the constant support of resources gifted by Sprouting Minds, Mercy Aids, and like-minded people that simply cannot stand by whilst people go hungry.
Apart from her honourable philanthropic endeavours, Antoinette also just happens to be a truly special person. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious! As she walks us through her gorgeous little garden, it’s obvious that she gains so much joy from time spent here. Not only harvesting nutritious vegetables and herbs to add to her delicious soups, but also simply from the seemingly simple act of tending to the plants. One cannot help feeling inspired and light-hearted in her company!
16 October is internationally celebrated as World Food Day. This month, we are helping Antoinette to supply food to ten families that she has identified in her area, that are in dire need of food assistance. The eldest of these is 75-year-old Bettie Hill. Not only will Antoinette make sure that these families receive their food parcels each week, she is a stickler for thorough admin - her neatly filed and up-to-date records and information is always on hand!
We also remembered our furry friends, and helped out Antoinette's neighbours, the Fisantekraal Animal Welfare.
We are proud to have Greenville Soup Kitchen in Fisantekraal as our Outreach Partner, and look forward to working alongside them in the future!
Join the Greenville Soup Kitchen Facebook group or contact Antoinette directly at 061 670 1914.
On our arrival, Antoinette proudly donned this whimsical pink hat (which had just won her first prize in a fun creative hat competition!) - just about as radiant as she is!
Showing off her pride and joy: an enormous Kale plant, that for years has added nutrients and flavour to her soups.
Antoinette shares that she starts every day with a stroll through her beloved garden. "My first cup of tea for the day comes from my garden", she says. She pics a variety of herbs and stews them in hot water.
Antoinette's mom, Jeanette, and Kerneels. Just two of Antoinette's avid supporters.
Juanita showing Antoinette what our first week's delivery entails: Amongst non-perishable staple foods and some fresh fruits, are things we too often take for granted -- toilet paper and soap!
