Clothing sale will fix broken windows in Farrarmere Gardens
“Change comes by replacing one broken window at a time.”
A line snaked down Nicola Close, Farrarmere Gardens, on June 7, as residents turned up en masse to support the first annual community winter clothing sale.
With the promise of bargain buys ranging from clothing to household goods, residents of the suburb, previously known as Government Village, supported the initiative aimed at repairing broken windows in their homes.
It has been just over a year since ‘the village angel’, Nelia du Plessis, took it upon herself to heed the plight of the 119 residents who felt disconnected from the greater Farrarmere community—outsiders to their neighbours.
“The residents have undergone a huge shift; they are more determined than ever to break free from the shackles of poverty,” said Nelia.
“Weekly soup kitchens have morphed into a community gathering. Residents mingle with gusto and actively participate in prayer and worship.
“The crushing negativity and heaviness that used to reign over these homes have steadily lifted, and the clouds are beginning to show a silver lining.”
Broken windows
Together with long-time resident and community mother figure Yolandie Jonker-Hunt, Nelia identified at least 62 windows throughout the village in dire need of repair.
“These homes are cold. Add broken windows to the mix, and you are guaranteed that residents will be battling with winter ailments,” said Yolandie.
“We used the sale as an opportunity to raise much-needed funds to kick-start the project.
“The residents have come to realise that there are people who are willing to assist. However, every act of assistance must be matched with effort. They are ultimately investing in the community’s progress.”
She added that they have been able to secure window panes at a reduced cost, and willing residents have volunteered to assist with fitting them.
“We still have to secure sufficient putty to ensure that every pane is securely fitted,” she said.
“We have the means and the willing hands; all we need now is the final ingredient to make the project a success. It is essential that we get these broken windows repaired and the homes better insulated,” said Nelia.
“Donations towards the project would be greatly appreciated.”
Anyone willing to assist can contact Yolandie on 082 394 3659 or Nelia on 082 669 6532.
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