In a bid to foster camaraderie in the community, Greenwood Park Primary in collaboration with CSW, Parks and Recreation, community activists and local non profit organisations are banding together for a mammoth community clean up initiative followed by a fundraising fun day on the school premises on Saturday, 22 July, from 8am.
The chairperson of the school governing body at Greenwood Park Primary, Steve Meth said the idea to initiate this event stems from wanting to play a part in cleaning the neighbourhood and to stand united in taking pride in the community.
“After the clean-up, we will be having various vendors on the day who will be selling a variety of foods and other items. There will be a five a side soccer tournament and a kiddie’s corner with a jumping castle as well as face painting. We will also have some local DJ’s playing some relaxing music so the community can come out and relax for a little while.
“Besides the community coming together to enjoy each other’s company, support on the day will hopefully bring in some funds to assist the school with a revamp to the hall and a few other minor maintenance projects that we have in mind that require some funding,” said Meth.
Community activist and leader, Erlene Redman Anderson gave encouragement to her fellow residents stating that “this initiative is for the community and the success of the event is dependent upon their involvement and participation”.
She added: “We would like to challenge businesses to form corporate teams and join our clean up efforts. It’s the case of ‘united we stand, divided we fall’. The only way for our community to move forward in a positive way is if all residents and local business take a stand and create the change that we want to see. An event of this nature encourages neighbours to get to know each other and work together for the betterment of the community. Cash donations to the school will go towards the much needed maintenance and upkeep of Greenwood Park Primary.”
Teens Under The Hood South Africa founder, Michelle Beaumont highlighted the importance of community spirit and collaboration. She said: “Community connections can give children a sense of belonging and help them to develop social and other skills. Events and safe spaces like these definitely provide the youth with the opportunities to grow while at the same time have fun with friends, to be children and to feel a sense of belonging. Having events where families can come together to work along side the schools that their kids attend is an opportunity to invest time to our children’s lives and most of all to become actively involved in their development. This is the first step in creating a better future and stronger communities.”
The spokesperson for the Green Buddies Environmental Club, Selisha Singh, said the clean up portion of the day will be covering the three main entrances into the Greenwood Park area which are Mimosa, Adrossan and Effingham roads.
“Green Buddies helps and supports community clean ups and has been part of this community since 2016, we believe that clean communities are important as they give the residents the sense of belonging and comfort, it also brings the pride and comfort to the residents to live in a clean community. We continue to work with the Greenwood Park CPF and their Youth Desk in ensuring that the service delivery of a clean environment leads to a safe environment.”
“The CPF Youth Desk always supports initiatives within our precinct that leads to the social upliftment and improvement of our community. We look forward to seeing all members of the community and businesses come out for this clean up and help restore the community of Greenwood Park to its former dignity and aesthetic beauty,” added Greenwood Park Youth Desk chairperson, Ashlin Ellan.
For more information about the days events or to lend a helping hand, contact Michael Stuart on 083 992 2256.
