Earthworm humus raises funds

Ry-Ma-In Selfhelp Centre’s residents are actively involved in finding new methods to improve the living conditions of their residents.

The centre is a home for quadriplegics and paraplegics residents who receive 24-hour care.

Ry-Ma-In Selfhelp Centre resident, Chris van Rooyen started a business to sell earthworm humus to the public, with the help of his nephew Paul van Pletzen who is an experienced farmer. Pletzen said he researched how to produce earthworm compost and discovered it wasn’t that difficult and began making it to use on his farm. “I kept my earthworms in my backyard and when I retired I realised I can sell it to people who need it. Chris has a limited income and through helping him produce the earthworm compost, he is able to re-sell it,” said Pletzen.

Van Rooyen said that he started producing the earthworm compost a year ago and in the last two months he has sold 15 bags. His customers heard about it through word of mouth or from visitors who come to the centre.

“I give a percentage of what I make to Ry-Ma-In Selfhelp Centre which goes towards the running cost of the centre. Our earthworm humus, which I grow at the centre is organic and fresh. I also have two compost drums that I would like to sell to fishermen or people who want to make their own compost from their homes. A 20-litre bag of compost is sold for R65 and people can contact me directly to purchase it,” explained Van Rooyen.

Pletzen added that the compost is weed-free and doesn’t smell. “We would appreciate it if people could support Chris’s business and also assist us with donating cow dung that we also use. My goal is to assist Chris and the centre,” Pletzen concluded.

Details: Ry-Ma-In Selfhelp Centre 011 888 3335; Chris van Rooyen 082 054 1478; Paul van Pletzen 082 920 9121.