Businesses get behind beautifying Athlone
In an attempt to keep their suburb free from grime and dirt, the business sector in Athlone has joined forces with residents to help maintain and clean up the area.
An abundance of litter, overgrown grass verges, cluttered storm water drains and neglected parks are some of the problems that members of the community are facing. Perennial power outages, water interruptions, pothole-riddled streets and dysfunctional traffic and street lights have also added to the woes of residents.
Despite all these challenges, a number of businesses have pooled their resources to try to win the war against the state of decay.
Re/Max Midlands, Athlone Circle Pick n Pay, Coffebox and Fire & Vine Restaurant are among the businesses that have come on board by contributing towards the cleaning up of the area.
The clean-up is carried out by Jan Hankey, who oversees ‘Tom’s Team’, while the funding and sponsorship is coordinated by Nicky Gillespie.
Gillespie said Hankey and ‘Tom’s Team’ have been cleaning up areas around the city for the last three years.
“We got together and decided to try and clean up the entrance to Pietermaritzburg from the Peter Brown off-ramp. For this we needed financial help. I approached Mark Malherbe from Coffeebox, who willingly donated towards this project,” said Gillespie.
“Malherbe then approached the tenants at Athlone Circle Mall and Pick n Pay immediately came on board as well as Fire & Vine Restaurant,” added Gillespie.
The Athlone Centre Management has also been very generous in helping financially to make the clean-up sustainable on a monthly basis. ReMax Midlands also rallied to the cause and has assisted financially and with T-shirts and caps for ‘Tom’s Team’.
Gillespie said Hankey is the driving force behind the operation and works tirelessly not only to clean up the area, but also to create job opportunities. She stressed that Hankey is a wonderful inspiration to them.
Tarryn White (Re/Max Midlands’ marketing department), Courtney Thatcher (Athlone
Circle Pick n Pay marketing coordinator) and J J da Silva (Fire & Vine Restaurant) all said they are happy to contribute towards this community initiative. They echoed the view that making (and keeping) Pietermaritzburg beautiful requires teamwork and an involved community.
Hankey, who is lovingly called ‘Athlone’s Angel’ by residents, said the funding from these businesses has lifted a big burden off her shoulders.
“I can’t do it all by myself and I am thankful to these businesses for their support. Now residents can recognise ‘Tom’s Team’ by their T-shirts and caps,” said Hankey.
“The more people we can get on board, the more we can do. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude,” Hankey added.