Trevor testifies to his MES success story

"From troublemaker to peacemaker," is the sentiment echoed towards Trevor Fyfe (50) as the workers at MES reflected on his success story thus far.

September 1, 2020

Heleen Rossouw 2 minutes read

Thanks to the potential Soul Malatja saw in Trevor when he first arrived at MES, Trevor has grown deep roots at his new home - MES Kempton Park.

“From troublemaker to peacemaker,” is the sentiment echoed towards Trevor Fyfe (50) as the workers at MES reflected on his success story thus far.

“I was at MES a year-and-a-half ago where Soul (Malatja) and the shelter helped me to get my life back on track. My life was going well until the start of Covid-19 as I was working at a restaurant as a manager,” said Trevor.

“Because of the pandemic, I lost my job and I was offered to live with one of my friends. But one morning I woke up and I just knew I needed to come back to MES and help.”

When he was first accepted to MES, he moved from Paternoster. Luckily, he got in touch with two friends who referred him to MES.

“Their mother was staying at MES and I came to Kempton for a visit and that’s when Soul took me in. I was living in the shelter for almost a year after living on the streets for a few days.I help where I can since Soul needed help with the youngsters for their drug rehab and social development. I want to return the favour MES has given me to rebuild.”

Trevor had a love for cooking and people’s company from a young age. However, he no longer has the desire to return to the restaurant industry as he’s found his calling by helping those at MES.

“I want to grow with MES because I know they have big plans for the future and I want to devote myself to their aspirations. It makes me happy every day. Being back, Soul and Helena made me work in the kitchen. Now, I make sure the beneficiaries have balanced and nutritious meals.”

According to Soul who’s been MES’ social worker for years, Trevor has been doing an amazing job since he first got on board.

“We recruited him initially to be the security guard to make sure the gate is controlled and monitor those going in and out. But we realised that he’s got more potential with maintenance since he fixed our walk-in fridge and repaired all our broken windows.”

Soul said that Trevor monitors the men in the shelter and assists in resolving any misbehaviour before escalating it to management and facilitates donations that come through MES.Originally hailing from Scotland, his thick Scottie accent expresses a deep love for South Africa since he came here in 1996.

“I originally came on holiday with South Africans I’ve been working with overseas. I fell in love with the place straight away.”

Trevor married a South African from Robertson, and together they have a son (19) and a daughter (18).

“I was married for six years, but my wife left me because of my drug habit.”

When he was asked what addictions he had, Trevor admitted to taking anything his dealer could give him.

“I”m happy to announce that I’ve been clean for 15 years.

“It was easy to kick it once I lost my wife and children, job and home and then I booked myself into rehab for three months before eventually finding the shelter.”

Thanks to faith, second chances and bonds like the one Trevor and Soul share, MES breathes life into success stories that invoke warmth in any cold heart.