VW volunteers give Maranatha an extreme makeover

Volkswagen Group South Africa’s employees at Maranatha Streetwork Trust in Port Elizabeth.

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The Maranatha Streetworker Trust celebrates its 10th anniversary as a street-work action organisation this year. Under the guidance and leadership of Dr Trudi Basson and her husband Albie Basson, the organisation merged with two similar streetwork groups in 1992 to become the Maranatha Streetworker Trust.

The trust is an outreach that cares for vulnerable children and destitute adults to help them restore their human dignity. Its aim is to empower young and old to develop their full potential, as well as uplift and care for children and adults through a holistic approach.

Currently there are approximately 80 permanent residents at Maranatha. The centre is housed in 1940s' state buildings that require regular upkeep and maintenance. Although Maranatha receives a nominal government subsidy towards the children's education, all accommodation and operating expenses are dependent on funds raised through private donors and corporate sponsors.

To renovate, repair and uplift the environment

The Volkswagen Show of Hands volunteers turned out in a force to renovate, repair and uplift the environment at Maranatha. Over a period of only four hours, the volunteers transformed the dormitories by repairing woodwork, doors and windows and painting the exteriors in delightful colours. Various sports equipment and playroom sheds were also renovated and transformed, whilst the gardens were landscaped with over 100 flowering shrubs and plants and 20 trees.

In an effort further to uplift the social environment at the centre, volunteers created a 70-seater braai area and repaired and installed a number of outdoor play structures for the children's recreational needs.

The spirit of volunteerism has extended beyond the extreme makeover activity as a number of Volkswagen volunteers have also committed to support the Maranatha Streetworker Trust through further volunteer action throughout the year.

"We can only achieve so much in one day," said Nonkqubela Maliza, director of corporate and government affairs of VWSA.

"Our employees have asked for the opportunity to get further involved with personal volunteer action at the beneficiaries we invest in, and we are delighted to offer a platform for facilitating this extended spirit of volunteerism," commented Maliza.