GMSA supports Sunday's River Trash Bash

[L-R] Kenny Brown, GMSA plant planner; Angus Clark, GMSA plant manager of engineering, environment and safety; and Thanusha Pillay, GMSA PR officer, collecting refuse during the Sunday's River Trash Bash.

As part of the company's environmental responsibility, 40 GMSA employees and their families dedicated their personal time, rolled up their sleeves and lent a helping hand in the clean-up. This was the third year of the company's involvement in the Trash Bash.

The annual Trash Bash targets the areas around the Sunday's River, Cannonville, River Side and Colchester North, situated about 30 minutes' drive from Port Elizabeth on the N2 towards Grahamstown. The aim is to clean up litter along the village streets, river banks and to instil an awareness of protecting, maintaining and keeping the estuary clean.

Approximately 150 children from local schools, together with local residents and volunteers, joined forces to remove huge amounts of litter and refuse from the banks of the river estuary and streets. The bags were then transported to a central skip near the Cannonville Slipway, from where it was carted away by sponsored tipper trucks.

Generous sponsor

Nick Neil-Boss and Dee Richards, whose late husband Bob Richards initiated the clean-up were the main organisers of the Sunday's River Trash Bash which started in 2000. "General Motors has been a very generous sponsor in the past, and this year they have increased their momentum and have been extremely generous. They have given us wonderful stuff for the children that they can use at school," Neil-Boss said.

GMSA gave every child a branded cap, T-shirt, backpack and a packet of sweets. After the morning of collecting the trash, each child also received a worsroll and a cupcake. The majority of the children who are involved in the Trash Bash come from backgrounds where they have little or nothing. "This Trash Bash is a bumper day, not only in terms of what we do for the environment, but is a highlight for the children as well," said Neil-Boss.

Angus Clark, GMSA plant manager of Engineering, Environment and Safety, said a project of that nature involves the community, creates awareness and gives back to the environment. "We live in a world where we create a lot of waste, and we need the awareness of what we do with it and how to manage it. This is critical, and that is why we involve the children."

"General Motors South Africa is very involved in the community, and we are constantly seeking out ways in which we can actively contribute, give back to the community and protect the environment. A word of gratitude must go to all the GMSA staff and their family members who came out to support this initiative," said Denise van Huyssteen, GM Africa communications manager.