Veggie garden launched at Benoni Child Welfare

Various local businesses lent a hand by sponsoring goodies for a small party for the children in celebration of the veggie garden launch

August 25, 2020

Jemma Buys 1 minute read

Vanessa Carelse (left, Benoni Child Welfare), Michelle Heenan, Hayley Farah, Audrey Steyn (CPF), Dries Petzer (Mamba PHP), Sunine Strydom (CPD), Michael Olivier (CPF), Henning Olivier (CPF) and Bernice Byleveldt.

A pre-launch was held at the Greater Benoni Child Welfare (GBCW) recently, for their new veggie garden.

“We have been working really hard to make our community a better place, by changing one life at a time,” said Vanessa Carelse, director of GBCW.

“This is just the beginning of the project right now, but a huge thank you to Hekkers, for planting what we have now which is spinach, onions, lettuce, celery, beetroot and more, as well as sorting out the flower beds and soil.

“This veggie garden is going to assist the children in gaining skills and serve as a source of income. When we start producing vegetables and fruit we can sell them, which will assist GBCW. When next year comes along we are hoping to fully launch the vegetable garden and hopefully start assisting the less fortunate in the community, to hold training sessions so they may learn how to plant their own food and gain some skills.

“It will empower people, help with generating income and it will be a massive service that we can provide to our community,” explained Vanessa.

The children of GBCW celebrated with a little party, with hamper proudly sponsored by Rynfield SUPERSPAR, while seeds and fertilizer wee donated by Jacks Paint at Northmead Square. Build it Pomona also handed out gifts.

Jerome Stapelberg, general manager PHP and Zandre Sonnekus, senior supervisor Mamba PHP.

There was also a drive-by drop-off planned for the day, which was run under the watchful eye of Mamba PHP and Benoni CPF.

“The children were ever so happy and excited to see their veggie garden up and running. They can’t wait to start learning and spending time in the garden, as well as eat their own vegetables,” concluded Vanessa.

GBCW is still looking for donations such as seedlings and gardening equipment, including spades, forks and rakes. They also always welcome donations of non-perishable items, food and blankets or whatever the Benoni community can spare.

Contact them on 011 849 5241 or email Vanessa on benonicwsd@lantic.net

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