Essentially Edenvale calls on community for support
"We have achieved a lot but we have so much more work to do."
Essentially Edenvale called on the community for assistance to ensure it can continue improving the town.
One of the founders and director of Essentially Edenvale, Lisa Atkins, said the non-profit organisation is in desperate need of funds to carry on its work and to pay the staff.
She said the organisation requires R20 000 a month to cover basic costs.
“We need fuel for our machines as well as to drive the staff around. We are appealing to residents to donate R100 and businesses at least R500 a month.”
Lisa said depending on the size of a business, if it can afford to donate more it will assist the fundraising efforts.
Lisa said Essentially Edenvale is cleaning and improving Edenvale and hopes to continue doing so with the help of the community.
She said by contributing to the organisation the community is helping to create jobs, improve property values, attract businesses to a clean town and helping improve the safety and cleanliness of the community.
One of the recent projects that the NPO embarked on was a clean-up initiative at the corner of Main and Edendale Roads.
The site, well-known for being an eyesore and sorting area for recyclers, was cleaned during a multi-disciplinary operation on August 6.
“We thought it was the perfect opportunity to clean up and take control of the pavement which has long been an eyesore and cause of unhappiness amongst the surrounding community,” said Lisa.
“Together with help from the staff of Thandanani Transport, we sprang into action to take back the pavement opposite the Eastleigh Taxi Rank from informal recyclers who had made it their home and sorting place. We cleaned it up and transformed it into a corner that we can be proud of.”
Yucca plants were also planted in the area
She added that a follow-up meeting was held between Essentially Edenvale, NPO Revive and the informal recyclers to discuss a sustainable way for the recyclers to continue working.
Another project saw Essentially Edenvale lend a hand at the Sebenza municipal dump where it repaired two gates.
Lisa said one of the gates needed to have its support beams improved and rollers replaced while another needed to be replaced entirely.
She said without monthly contributions from residents and businesses, Essentially Edenvale can’t continue with its initiatives.
“We have achieved a lot but we have so much more work to do to make Edenvale cleaner, greener and safer for all,” said Lisa.
Funds can be donated to Essentially Edenvale’s bank account: FNB Greenstone Hill, account number 63076010320.
Your name and surname must be used as a reference
Contact 082 900 8847 or email lisa@essentiallyedenvale.co.za for more information.
