Better Senderwood partners with entities for environmental clean-ups
The NPO said they decided to pool their resources and leverage their time, as they initiated efforts to clean up Senderwood, starting with areas such as Civin Street, Club Street, and Chaucer Street.
Better Senderwood is joining the ranks with other community-based clean-up campaigns in a bid to keep their suburb in a pristine state.
The initiative is driven by residents Anthony Katakuzinos, John Stavrides, Bruce McAlpine, Jules Michaelides and Andromahi Theofanidis.
They clean the neighbourhood, cut grass and weed, repaint road marks and maintain some local parks.
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The NPO said they decided to pool their resources and leverage their time, as they initiated efforts to clean up Senderwood, starting with areas such as Civin Street, Club Street, and Chaucer Street.
Since its inception, Better Senderwood has been working closely with local organisations and businesses, and they have undertaken various clean-up projects, fixed pavements, and collaborated with schools and associations to maintain public spaces.
They have tackled overgrown vegetation and cleared out accumulated debris.
“As a small team, we have managed to make a huge difference.
“Senderwood was a lot worse than what it is today before we started about a year ago.
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“Our goal is to keep our suburb nice, neat and tidy,” said Katakuzinos.
The organisation currently has three teams maintaining Club Street, Chaucer Park and Civin Drive which includes Senderwood Shopping Centre and Senderwood Taxi Rank.
Recently the team has been cleaning along the Jukskei River.
“We have had to buy grass cutters, wheelbarrows, shovels; all the necessary equipment, so it costs quite a lot of money. It is probably costing us close to R20 000 a month.
“And we get voluntary contributions from members of the community,” he added.
However, support from local businesses like Senderwood Shopping Centre, Rosko Paint, TotalEnergies
Senderwood and community contributions have played a crucial role in sustaining these operations.
He also thanked Maurice who has been assisting them with collecting the load of rubble.
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“We are just managing to make sure that we are funding the team at the moment and keep the good going but we’d also like more support so we can grow and become sustainable,” said Katakuzinos.
In September they will host a tree donation drive and community clean-up campaign.
“We are going to ask people to donate some trees so we can plant them in the park.
“We are hoping to collaborate with the schools as well for a clean up of the river, where people can come and come through and help,” stated Katakuzinos.
He is urging the community to get involved whether it is by contributing funds or volunteering.
To get involved email bettersenderwood@gmail.com or follow their Facebook page, Better Senderwood.
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To make donations their banking details are Standard Bank, account name SSBRA, account number 10 11 939 542 6.
Proof of payment can be sent to Janine.danziger@gmail.com.
