Bank revamps house at Epworth Children’s Village

Nedbank continues to put smiles on the faces of children at Epworth Children’s Village.

One of the houses at the village, named Cypress, which was recently revamped and refurbished by Nedbank, was officially opened last Monday.

Nedbank has been the village’s donor and has helped where possible for three years.

“We have always worked closely with the village, organising gifts for holidays and Christmas parties among other things,” said Tina Pieterse, Nedbank’s executive for the integrated channels support.

“Last year, we decided to change our focus and contribute in a more sustainable manner.”

Pieterse said they decided as a team to make a more meaningful difference to the village and chose to renovate the house.

The team communicated their intentions to the village to identify their needs.

“Having a siblings’ house has always been a priority for us at Epworth,” said Roberta Ingrato, public relations manager for Epworth Children’s Village.

“When Nedbank informed us about their goal we took the opportunity to get Cypress up and running.

“We are humbled and grateful for what Nedbank, together with its contractors and suppliers, has done for the children – it is amazing.”

Pieterse said it is important to invest in children.

“Children are the future of our country and investing in them today will ensure they become contributing citizens tomorrow,” she said.

“We are also looking at revamping another house by the end of the year.

“Depending on funding, we would like to revamp at least two more houses.”

The children moving into Cypress were excited with their new home.

“The children are overwhelmed with excitement,” said Ingrato.

“They are pleased with all the work done in their rooms and the house as a whole.

“Through the siblings’ house we aim to strengthen relationships between siblings who are unlikely to get support when leaving Epworth.

“The objective is to develop bonds and reinforce their family commitment to each other so that they will support each other when they leave and not be isolated.”

Pieterse also thanked the contractors and suppliers who helped in the renovation.

“Thank you to Ukhuni Business Furniture, C Power Shop Fitters, Poseidon Data and Electrical Services and 180 Degree Digital Print, PAV Shop Fitters, Proto Signs and Ronald Koekemoer and Associates, among others for assisting us in the project,” said Pieterse.

“Your help doesn’t go unnoticed; we wouldn’t have done it without you.

“We, at Nedbank, like to do good for the communities we serve and more than anything this project was a great privilege.

“We will always remain committed to Epworth.”

Children moving into Cypress were also given gifts at the opening.