THE Isuzu ChildLife Foundation and Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) recently donated R400 000 to the IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Charity Trust to build a crèche in Port Elizabeth.
Situated next to the Sakhasonke Village in Walmer Township, the creche will provide much-needed space to a current crèche owner operating from her home, providing care to 27 children between the ages of six months and five years. The new building will be big enough to accommodate 50 children.
IMSAf’s Corporate Communications Manager Gishma Johnson said that the Isuzu partnership with the triathlon organisers started over eight years ago.
“We are very excited to partner with the trust on the building of the crèche, since this is a legacy project that fits in perfectly with our corporate social responsibility goals of adding value to the community in a sustainable manner,” said Johnson.
One of the partners in this initiative, Touch Africa, will ensure that this initiative is sustainable and measurable, said Touch Africa trustee Mike Glover. “The creche will also be built by artisans residing in Walmer Township and will create employment for at least 10 labourers during the eight-week build. Isuzu has had a long relationship with Touch Africa, who over the last five years have built 45 Libraries and five creches and Isuzu has played a major role in delivery of materials and books,” Glover said.
Speaking at the official sod-turning, IRONMAN 4 the Kidz trustee and co-founder Gary Stephenson said the plan was for the 70-square metre crèche building – which will consist of a classroom, kitchen, veranda and bathroom – to be completed by August.
“This creche is situated on the route of the cycling leg of the triathlon and it is important for us to leave a legacy of the continent’s biggest challenge. The aim is to have the building completed in time for the IRONMAN World Champs,” Stephenson said.
2018 is a busy year for the Friendly City, with a second IRONMAN event, the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, taking place in Port Elizabeth – the first city on the African continent to host the highly competitive competition.
“We would like to show these athletes what we are doing in the country for the children, through the help of the IRONMAN fraternity and generous corporate sponsors, such as Isuzu,” said Stephenson.
IRONMAN 4 the Kidz has this year exceeded its target to collect R2.2-million for the various charity organisations they support. The trust has been in existence for 14 years and has distributed over R17.2-million to a wide range of beneficiaries.
Similarly, the Isuzu ChildLife Foundation, a partnership between IMSAf and the dealer network, has successfully supported 67 underprivileged child-focused projects across South Africa in the past eight years.