A local community-based organisation has started a ‘drop-box’ project to raise donations for those in need. The project, which uses hair salons in Stellenbosch as a base for drop-offs, is run by the Creating Leaders Among Youth Foundation (Clay Foundation).
This was according to Eon Hendrikse, the founder of the Clay Foundation (CF). “The aim of Clay is to create leaders among youth,” said Hendrikse [see infographic].
Eon Hendrikse founded the Clay Foundation on 9 April last year. The aim of the foundation is to address the challenges that previously disadvantaged communities were still facing, he said. This included poverty, unemployment and gangsterism. The foundation aims to have members of underserved communities, currently Idas Valley and Cloetesville, work together to better the social circumstances of their community. Clay Foundation works closely with the youth of these communities, to foster their talents as they are the leaders of the future, according to Hendrikse. INFOGRAPHIC: Kyra Rensburg
The drop-box project was started as donations are essential for the sustainability of the CF’s outreach projects, said Hendrikse. Most of the members and volunteers are students, he explained. Therefore, the foundation requires the assistance of civil society for donations. “We all have a responsibility towards humanity,” said Hendrikse.
“We decided to have a drop-box theme where you can donate sanitary products, tinned foods and stationery at the chosen three hair studios,” said Junaid Rass, the chairperson of the CF.
Peter’s Barber Shop and Arts Barber Shop, in Idas Valley, are accepting tinned foods and stationery donations. Bosch Hair Studio, in central Stellenbosch, is accepting sanitary products, said Rass.
“Sanitary and stationery [items] will be donated to various schools in our local communities [Idas Valley and Cloetesville]. With the canned products, we will be making hampers to hand out to the needy on our normal food drives,” Rass added.
According to Hendrikse, food insecurity is a visible problem in Stellenbosch’s surrounding communities, specifically in Idas Valley and Cloetesville. These are also the communities that CF interacts with most currently.
“We identify these areas, such as Cloetesville. We know we can’t go there without 300 [food] parcels,” said Hendrikse, referring to the need in the community.
Engaging with local businesses
“As a local small business owner I believe you should reinvest in the community. I am always willing to help in my community,” said Melissa Charles, co-owner of Bosch Hair Studio.
The CF wants to raise awareness of certain issues like the need for sanitary products. “I feel this should be something that should be free for our women,” said Hendrikse.
“Since we are collecting sanitary products, for me as a woman, I feel if we can make a difference to help a woman or girl, then why not?” said Charles.
Bosch Hair Studio, at 2 Beyers Street, in Stellenbosch Central, is the drop-off point for sanitary items. Bosch Hair Studio is owned by Melissa Charles and Danielle Okkers. PHOTO: Kyra Rensburg
The CF wants to get local business owners involved with the youth leaders who run the CF projects, said Hendrikse.
“They are our local heroes […] we should learn from one another. Like uncle Faizel [Biscombe, owner of Arts Barber Shop] is a highly respected person. We as youth can learn a lot from him,” said Hendrikse.
Going forward
“The aim of everything is to make the organisation community based. To get all role players involved in the process of bettering our social circumstances and also to let people realise that small acts, if multiplied by millions, can make a huge difference,” said Hendrikse.
The drop-box project will be at the hair salons’ for approximately a month or two. Thereafter, CF hopes to extend it to local sports institutions, said Hendrikse.
The CF currently has ten committee members that handle the planning surrounding the foundation. Young people from the surrounding Stellenbosch communities, mostly from Idas Valley and Cloetesville, are the volunteers for the CF, according to Hendrikse. EMBEDDED: Instagram/@foundationclay