Aunty Viv's Soup Kitchen Quietly Transforming Lives

How It Began

Aunty Viv, a 70-year-old pensioner, didn’t set out to run a non-profit organization. Her journey began in her modest home, where she prepared simple meals for children walking home from school, their faces tired and hungry. Watching these kids eat with gratitude ignited something within her—a purpose bigger than herself.

At first, it was a single pot of soup, made from whatever she could spare from her pension. Then, word spread. Soon, elderly neighbors, struggling parents, and even homeless individuals found their way to her door. They didn’t just come for food; they came for connection, for kindness, and for the sense of dignity that Aunty Viv gave freely.

The Struggle

Running a soup kitchen is no small feat, especially when your main source of funding is your pension. Some weeks were harder than others. There were times when Aunty Viv would look at her pantry, bare but for a few staples, and wonder how she would make it work. But she always did.

The community began to notice her tireless efforts, and slowly, donations started trickling in. Bags of rice, tins of beans, and loaves of bread found their way to her kitchen. Still, the need always outpaced the resources. On an average day, Aunty Viv’s Soup Kitchen now feeds over 300 people, and the numbers keep growing.

Why This Kitchen Matters

For many, the kitchen is more than a place to get a meal; it’s a beacon of hope. It’s where children from struggling households can find a warm plate of food after school. It’s where elderly individuals, often forgotten and living alone, can enjoy not just sustenance but companionship.

Aunty Viv’s soup kitchen also steps up in times of crisis, providing emergency relief to families hit hard by unemployment, illness, or loss.

The Dream of a Community Veggie Garden

The work doesn’t stop with serving meals. Recently, Aunty Viv and her small team of volunteers have embarked on a new mission: to establish a community vegetable garden. The vision is simple yet transformative—grow fresh, nutritious produce that can supplement the meals served at the soup kitchen while teaching community members the skills to cultivate their own food.

This garden isn’t just about food; it’s about empowerment. It’s about showing the community that, even with limited resources, growth is possible—both in the soil and in life.

What Keeps Aunty Viv Going

When asked why she continues despite the challenges, Aunty Viv’s answer is simple: “Because someone has to.” Her heart is full every time a child smiles after a meal or an elderly man thanks her for a warm cup of tea. She believes in the power of community, in neighbors helping neighbors, and in the idea that no one should go to bed hungry.

Her story is a testament to the power of one person’s will to make a difference.

How You Can Help

Aunty Viv’s Soup Kitchen is more than just a place—it’s a lifeline. But it cannot operate without support. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, there are countless ways to contribute to this cause.

• Donate Food or Funds: Every bag of rice or tin of beans goes directly to feeding the community.

• Volunteer Your Time: Whether it’s cooking, serving, or helping with the veggie garden, your hands can make a difference.

• Spread the Word: Share the story of Aunty Viv’s Soup Kitchen on social media or in your community.

  
  

Get Involved

Aunty Viv often says, “It’s not just my soup kitchen—it’s the community’s.” And she’s right. This is a story of generosity, and the extraordinary things ordinary people can do when they come together.

By supporting Aunty Viv’s Soup Kitchen, you’re not just helping to fill plates—you’re helping to build a better future for Hout Bay.

Follow Our JourneyTo learn more or to get involved, visit our Facebook page. You can also read our feature in The Sentinel News or contact us directly at 071 045 6390. Together, we can keep this kitchen running and this dream alive.