Under the flagship Volkswagen for Good initiative, charities and community-based sporting associations have received a much-needed financial boost from the VW Community Trust.
Ikhala Trust, Ilitha Lemfundo Educational Enhancement Centre, Star of Hope RFC, Ubomi Obutsha Centre, Port Elizabeth Mental Health Society, KwaNobuhle and Despatch Football Association, Judo Institute For People With Special Needs, Komga United RFC and Wildlife Environment Society of South Africa will be sharing the over R923 000 (R923 450) which was handed over at the Volkswagen manufacturing factory in Uitenhage.
“This cheque handover forms part of the R15-million that we will be investing on CSI initiatives this year alone. It is our hope as a company that this donation will alleviate some of the financial burdens and also uplift our community in the Metro and the Eastern Cape through the commendable work done by these organisations,” said Thomas Schaefer, Volkswagen Group South Africa Chairman and Managing Director.
The Volkswagen for Good initiative has a strong focus on positively impacting education, youth development, enterprise development, health, community and wellbeing.
About the Beneficiaries:
The Ikhala Trust is a non-profit value based community grant based in the Eastern Cape since 2002. The Trust works with grassroots organisations and focuses on the entire Eastern Cape especially Rural Communities. Ikhala Trust applies the Asset Based Community Development Model.
Ilitha Educational Enhancement Centre, based in KwaNobuhle, addresses the challenge of high failure rate of Grade 12s. In 2015, schools assisted by the centre achieved a Matric pass rate of 95% with five distinctions and 52% of those learners now qualify for University entry requirements. The late Dr Rev Gqubule has won multiple awards for his excellent work in Education and the Project will continue as a legacy programme.
Star of Hope RFC was founded in 1927 and has continued to serve the youth of KwaNobuhle, Uitenhage and surrounding areas. Their list of achievements include: 2011 – they Won Gardens RFC Easter Tournament, 2012 – the National Easter Tournament in Cape Town & Wellman Harmse Final, 2013 Promoted to Adams Cup 2014 Promoted again to Grand Challenge Shield after only one season and in 2015 were the winners of the Grand Challenge Shield League and this year they will participate in 2016 Grand Challenge Cup League. Star of Hope is a fully fledged affiliate of EPRU.
UBomi Obutsha Centre was established in 1998 as a project of Combined Christian Ministries to the community of KwaZakhele in Port Elizabeth and it has grown to become an independent community project governed and managed predominantly by members from the community that it serves. It serves a group within the community from birth to 19 years of age.
Port Elizabeth Mental Health Society has been in existence since 1939. The society came about in order to assist people with disabilities who have a dire need for advocacy and mental health services. The organization renders a holistic service to people with disabilities and psychiatric illnesses and services.
NODEFA (KwaNobuhle and Despatch Football Association) is a registered PBO, an association with 37 clubs, 143 teams with each having 25 players. There are 3 500 registered players with the majority based in KwaNobuhle. In 2015 achievements: Archie Dyeli – CAF B: Coaching License, Anelisa Mpenzana – National under 17 Girls team shortlisted, Wella Jacobs and Sinethemba Gqogqo: Level 6 referees and 4 Referees officiated in Multi-choice Diski Tournament (PSL Reserve League).
Judo Institute For People With Special Needs was established in 2009 and is a registered NPO. Its core business is to train Judo and self-defence to the Physically Challenged Learners from the Eastern Cape. It works towards boosting learner’s self-esteem and integrating them into society. The institute helps them to improve their health conditions and instill discipline, good life values and create everlasting love and interest in sport.
Komga United RFC, located in Komga outside of King Williams Town was established in 2013 and is currently registered in the Sunday League. They are affiliated to the MORU Sub-union in the Border Region. 28 of their players are aged between 17-25 years are registered and are mainly from surrounding High Schools. The team’s two divisions made it to quarter finals in both seasons 2014/15.
Wildlife Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) has been caring for the earth for 90 years as a registered non-profit organisation. Eco-Schools Programme is an international programme implemented by the Foundation For Environmental Education. Through this VWCT funded programme, Uitenhage High School achieved an International Flag Eco-Schools Award for 2015 and R.H. Godlo Primary School achieved Bronze status.