Hope in Action: Vat Verniet Tafel Prepares for 20 September and Beyond

Karen Scheepers
Sep 10
3 min read

The Vat Verniet Tafel project continues to grow as a beacon of community spirit in Potchefstroom. With its next outreach planned for 20 September 2025, organisers and volunteers are preparing to make a meaningful difference for those in need. The initiative not only distributes food, clothing, and household items, but also brings people together under the shared goal of compassion and hope.

Upcoming Event – 20 September Trollieday

On Saturday, 20 September from 10h00, Vat Verniet Tafel teams will be present at West Acres Pick n Pay and Mooirivier Junction for a community “Trollieday.” These days provide an opportunity for shoppers to donate groceries, toiletries, and essentials, directly contributing to the upcoming Vat Verniet Tafel on 25 October 2025. With the previous Trollieday already proving a success, the organisers are optimistic that the next one will generate even greater support.

Donations Already Received

In the weeks leading up to October’s table, the project has already experienced heartwarming generosity.

A first black bag filled with clothing and toys was received, setting the tone for continued giving.
Larger donations have followed, including multiple bags of clothes, a baby cot, and a stroller.
Trollieday contributions at Baillie Park Spar added up to significant supplies: over 39 packs of pasta, 64 tins of canned food, 17.5kg of rice, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and much more.

Every contribution, whether big or small, is celebrated by the team as a step toward easing the burdens of struggling families.

Welcoming New Volunteers

Vat Verniet Tafel’s success is powered by its volunteers, and in recent weeks, several new faces have joined the cause.

Their stories reflect both gratitude and a deep desire to make a difference:

Denice Burger explained that her own experiences of hardship inspired her to get involved, emphasizing the importance of seeing and uplifting one another.
Dima Visser described the joy of witnessing how donations provide not just material relief, but hope.
Estelle Visser recalled how her first day at the table opened her eyes to the realities of those in need, leaving her with a renewed sense of gratitude.
Theuns Du Toit shared how helping gradually became a family affair, deepening his commitment to the project.
Marjaan Groenewald, Hannelie Viviers, and others have also stepped forward, each bringing unique perspectives on compassion, service, and community healing.

The volunteer network is expanding, showing that the project is as much about building community as it is about distributing aid.

Looking Ahead – 25 October 2025

The next Vat Verniet Tafel will take place on 25 October 2025, with donations welcomed up until the morning of the event.

Items most needed include:

Clothing of all sizes
Blankets, pillows, and shoes
Non-perishable foods such as rice, pasta, canned goods, and spreads
Toiletries including soap, toothpaste, and shampoo
Cleaning supplies, particularly washing powder
Bibles and children’s books

Additionally, two local hairdressers have offered to volunteer their services on the day, providing haircuts as part of the outreach. This effort highlights how the project continues to evolve, offering both practical relief and dignity to those in need.

Reflection

The Vat Verniet Tafel stands as a reminder that small acts of kindness, when multiplied across a community, can create lasting change. With upcoming events on 20 September and 25 October, the project continues to invite contributions, celebrate volunteers, and focus on restoring hope where it is needed most.

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