Making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate

St Johns College together with Community Hours spent Thursday giving back tot the community of Vredefort.

Community Hours partnered with St Johns College to create an opportunity for boys to engage with the community and give back to those who need it.

Mlibo Tayla, head mentor of outdoor education at St Johns College, says that most of the students in our cities are not exposed to the struggle others face and do not realize the dire need and situations people live in.

“Parys is very close to our hearts. We aim to make an impact in someone else’s life. The Golden Eagle Residents project usually runs for five days and four nights, depending on our schedule.”

The group spent the day at Chris Van Niekerk School where they fitted carpets and flooring into a classroom that they have previously renovated. From there they went to Hartshuis, a home for the less fortunate. Once there they set up a Look Down shop, which lets people shop with dignity.

Sarah Welton-Blake, Chief Innovation Officer at Community Hours, say that the residents each gets token and then they can walk through the clothes and buy whatever they want with the tokens.

“We do this to make people feel like they are seen and make them feel like they have value and importance. We create and curate opportunity for the youth to serve the community.”

During the shopping experience, the people can pick and choose from clothes, shoes, bedding and even some small games.

After the residents finished their shopping, the boys spoiled them with a braai.

“When times are tough, there is almost never any means to eat meat. This is why we decided to have a braai for the residents of Hartshuis,” Sarah said.

Sarah also said she wants to thank the community of Parys for making volunteering so accessible to them.

“They community of Parys have opened up their hearts and homes to us and showed us so many small acts of kindness. We really appreciate the support.”