Let’s Work and SCP Security are a dream team that keeps Ward 88 looking smart.
The two organisations have collaborated for years in a bid to maintain and keep suburbs from suffering urban decay.
The non-profit, Let’s Work, has been a shining a light across Ward 88 since it was founded by Felicity Lawlor in 2016.
It provides meaningful work for some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in the ward. They do this by creating employment for the homeless who help with cleaning and maintenance in public open spaces. The members are paid by generous donations from supporters of the non-profit and in-kind donations of food and other much-needed items.
It also tries to assist various city units and other stakeholders deliver a clean, well-maintained and safe Ward 88. It tackles litter and illegal dumping, maintains public parks, cuts the grass, replaces and repaints park fencing and removes fallen branches after storms.
SCP Security’s Clive Maher who has been assisting Lawlor’s efforts for several years said, “The people who enter the programme have moved off the streets or parks by doing honest work. This has enabled them to begin to rebuild their lives through honest and valued projects.
“Suburbs which are well maintained with people in the parks doing maintenance and clean-ups also assist with reducing crime as there are fewer places for illegal activity to happen.”
His vehicles provide daily essential logistical support to the teams who deliver food to homeless shelters, collect and distribute donations from the community or ferry workers to where they need to be working and back that night.
Lawler said, “SCP Security has always been there to lend a helping hand no matter what the request. Often our team is too big for us to transport, not to mention our large mower which is too heavy for a bakkie. Their truck is always on hand, like yesterday when they dropped us off in Emmarentia and today in Risidale.”
Maher said, “The least we can do is make a difference in somebody’s life each and every day and we are privileged to be of assistance. This is achieved because of the broader support from the community. A drive-through at other nearby wards is a reminder of how parts of our city can look when communities don’t mobilise in solidarity to affect real change.”
For more information contact Felicity Lawlor on felicity@letswork.org.za or 082 568 1783.
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