MES celebrates a successful year
There are many opportunities for residents to get involved the organisation
MES Kempton Park, in partnership with its extensive network of volunteers, organised business and churches, has made a real impact in the community the past year, staying true to its vision of changing the heart of the city.
“We are grateful to each and everyone who was involved and are privileged to have so many residents supporting MES Kempton Park,” says Lilly Franks, branch manager.
“Whether people gave funds, their time or input, it has made a difference in the lives of others in need.”
Also read:
• OR Tambo Protea Hotel donates meals to MES
• MES receives a new vegetable and herb garden
• Scorpion Legal Protection donates R20 000 to MES
This charity organisation has become a central part of the community, providing a platform for people who want to serve through the various projects.
MES hosted a Christmas carol evening on December 1 to celebrate the joy of Christmas and to thank all its supporters who were involved during the year. The evening provided the opportunity to celebrate highlights over the past year and time was also spend together in prayer for Kempton Park. MES would like to thank Protea Hotel OR Tambo for its support with food on the evening.
With the help from companies and individuals, MES will be also host various Christmas functions for its clients in the different projects.
If anyone would like to get involved, they can call Aloma Swanepoel on 011-024-4580.
In reflection on MES Kempton Park’s achievements the past year, it is clear that some key objectives were achieved. The overnight shelter catered on average for 30 clients a night – providing them with a place of safety that prevented them from sleeping on the streets. The canteen has served 7 768 meals from January to November and an average of 49 poor and needy families that live in the inner city were supported with weekly food parcels.
The after school programme had 23 registered children and all of them were provided with school bags, shoes and other necessities throughout the year. Various shelter and street outreaches also contributed to the well-being of the inner city.
Implementation of the GROW job rehabilitation project was a key priority during the year. This project provides access to job and life rehabilitation programmes for the homeless and vulnerable community that results in earning a living. Nearly 200 clients registered for the project.
Two teams, comprising three workers and a foreman, could go out on shift each day. Eight individuals worked themselves up to foremen and had the opportunity to stay in the Uvusa House (second phase accommodation). MES also managed to place nine of its GROW participants into permanent jobs.
“One of our key priorities is to create a better awareness of GROW. We are in negotiations with Ekurhuleni and organisations who are interested in partnering with us,” says Franks.
Activate your heart
MES Kempton Park would like to encourage residents to get involved. The following opportunities exist:
Donation of clothes and non-perishable food items
Financial support for 2016/2017
Dish washing liquid and cleaning material for shelter
Monthly donation of meat for the kitchen
Plastic chairs for the overnight shelter (15).
After school centre: Qualified teachers are needed to assist the children with their homework and exam preparation. Assistance is also required with reading in the afternoons and volunteers don’t have to be teachers to support.
Overnight shelter: Volunteers can become part of the outreach teams and support with meal preparation. Special evenings like movie nights, braais, etc can also be hosted. Shelter vouchers can be sponsored at R16 an evening.
Food parcel project: Volunteers are welcome to join the outreach team or sponsor items for the elderly’s parcels.
Kempton canteen: Volunteers are welcome to assist with the dishing up of food. Mondays – Fridays from 10:45am to 11:45am. Meal vouchers can be sponsored at R2 a voucher.
GROW project: Any opportunities for the GROW teams can be looked at, eg cleaning of yards, offices, assistance with moving, etc.
The organisation plans to open its first training centre so people can be taken up into various training programmes.
Anyone that can assist with training or job placement opportunities can contact MES.
