Sponsors join hands to revamp Edenvale SPCA vehicle
Starline Body Shop owner Shariffa Blume credits Derek McCoy as the driving force behind the project, due to his love of animals.
Crusaders Motorcycle Club (MC) Joburg and sponsors delivered a revamped vehicle to the Edenvale SPCA on February 15.
The revamp comes after a plea was posted by the Edenvale SPCA on Facebook at the end of January.
Edenvale SPCA inspector Jade Nel said the plea was for branding of on their old Hiace mini buses.
Within 24 hours, the SPCA received a response from Starline Body Shop.
“Starline came out to inspect the vehicle. We were told the vehicle needs more than just branding. They collected the vehicle the next day and we were updated on the progress over the next two weeks,” said Nel.
Crusaders MC and other biker clubs escorted the vehicle from Starline Body Shop to the Edenvale SPCA for a grand reveal.
“We can now be proud of our vehicle, especially our driver Thomas Thobejane, who can no longer call it a ‘skoro-skoro’. This act of kindness has boosted our morale. The vehicle now looks very professional and is noticeable to the community. We appreciate their dedication and for doing it in such a short period of time.
“It has also cost us nothing, funds can now be used for something else,” said Nel.
Owner of Starline Body Shop Shariffa Blume was happy to oblige when she was asked by employee Derek McCoy to assist the SPCA.
“When we saw the bus it took us by surprise, as the bus was in a bad condition. Being animal lovers, we realised it would just be a matter of time before the bus would come to a standstill. This would leave abused and stray animals at the mercy of abusive owners and heartless people.”
She said the thought pulled at her heart strings, bringing her to tears.
“We got in touch with Doug Ford and told him we were going to ‘pimp’ the bus. Without hesitation, he agreed to come on board and take on the signage,” said Blume.
The team then also posted an appeal on Facebook, with many more donors coming on board.
Derek McCoy and Doug Ford belong to Crusaders MC.
“All too often there is a negative stigma attached to bikers. This is a group of bikers who share in their love, honour and respect for their brotherhood. They have big hearts and are always willing to give their time and commitment to worthy causes such as the SPCA. It was an absolute honour and a privilege to be associated with the biker groups,” said Blume.
Donors who assisted on the project were:
• Starline Body Shop – repairs, spray work and parts
• Doug Ford Signs – signage
• SS Trading – inner panels, cages and recovered seats
• Alwin Canopy – windows
• Dynamika Canopies – shocks and lights
• Allied Paint – paint and rubber mats
• Tire Point – food donations
• All-Tech Paint – cash donation
• Crusaders MC, Sin City and Bandits, Soldiers for Jesus and Unpatched Bikers.
