Isuzu donates R400k for township creche

BIG business is stepping in to help the little guy, more specifically 27 of them, after Isuzu Motors South Africa donated R400 000 earlier this month to the Ironman 4 the Kidz Charity Trust to build a creche in Walmer Township.

The initiative’s launch last week, in partnership with the Isuzu ChildLife Foundation, Touch Africa and Ironman 4 the Kids, saw the start of the new creche being built in the Sakhasonke Village in Walmer Township.

The creche will provide much-needed space to Early Bird Daycare Centre owner Neliswa Cawe, 41, who provides care to 27 children between the ages of six months to five years from her township home.

The new building will be big enough to accommodate a total of 50 children.

Cawe said she, along with the parents and pupils, are very grateful for the assistance.

“The new building and playground is going to make it a lot easier to educate the children and prepare them for school. I’m so grateful, the centre will make a huge difference in children’s lives.”

Ironman 4 the Kidz trustee and co-founder Gary Stephenson said the plan was for the 70m² building, which will consist of a classroom, kitchen, veranda and a 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 as the continent’s biggest challenge. The aim is to have the building completed in time for the Ironman World Champs.”

Isuzu spokeswoman Gishma Johnson said: “We are very excited to partner with the trust since this is a legacy project that fits in perfectly with our corporate social responsibility goals of adding value to the community.”