On almost any given Saturday morning, a clean-up operation is being held by one community organisation or another.

The one constant at the majority of these initiatives in Florida is the presence of a team from the KCCC Foundation, a faith-based rehabilitation and recovery centre situated in Rose Street, Florida.

According to Florida South Residents Association chairperson Rodney Churchyard, the KCCC Foundation have come to the rescue of many a clean-up where community participation has been lacking.

“I can always count on the KCCC to show up and lend a helping hand,” he says.

The Roodepoort Record paid a visit to the rehabilitation centre to find out more about the organisation and their unique approach to community service.

“It’s our way of giving back,” says operations director Tyrone du Preez.

“Our patients acknowledge that they have taken much from the local community. Our culture at KCCC is one of giving and sharing.

Whether it is volunteering our time at community initiatives like clean-up campaigns or helping with scholar patrols at local schools, Du Preez says the outreach programme has become a defining characteristic of the organisation.”

He adds that the spirit of giving doesn’t end there.

“We pride ourselves in helping out wherever we can. We have active partnerships with various feeding schemes in and around the Florida area, sharing excess food with them every week,” he says, adding that the community outreach programme has also become a lifeline for some of the patients.

“The clean-up operations in particular have given our patients something to care about. Some of them have become absolutely passionate about the clean-ups, and wouldn’t miss one for anything.”

Du Preez adds that while KCCC Foundation is a private institution, the vast majority of their patients come from humble homes under severe financial strain.

“We rely on sponsorships and partnerships with companies, community organisations and churches to enable us to do this work.”

Pastor Cyril van Schalkwyk, who makes up the other half of the daily management team, leading many of the rehabilitation activities and looking after the spiritual needs of the patients, insists that while the rate of relapse is high, they are making a difference.

“We are facing a significant drug dependency threat in Florida. Our patients want to change and get better, and we are teaching them the skills and giving them the tools with which to overcome the disease of addiction.

“I can think of no better way than to equip them with the skills and knowledge to help them achieve this, and to introduce them to Jesus Christ, who will guide them on their path to sobriety.”

For more information, contact the KCCC Foundation on 073 790 8519.