Background
In a major drive to make keep the children off the streets and to enable them to spend their time constructively in a safe environment, OUTsurance together with Algoa FM embarked on a campaign called Operation OUTreach at the beginning of the year. The project aims to upgrade six community centres in the Eastern Cape region by the end of 2007.
The second phase of the campaign kicked off in April with Algoa FM calling for support from business and individuals in a joint attempt at providing structural stability, paintwork, carpets, furniture, games, TV's, sound systems, books, puzzles and any other additions which would transform this rundown home into a place of safety for children previously living in the streets.
Community Centre Upgrade
Algoa FM and OUTsurance identified the Sakh'ingomso Children's Ministry in East London as a community centre that would great benefit from the project. The centre currently has about 30 boys ranging from the ages of seven to 19.
When Algoa FM identified the community centre for an upgrade as part of the Operation OUTreach campaign, it looked like a job that could be taken on and completed in a few weeks time. After closer inspection by building professionals it was discovered that it was in more dire need that originally anticipated and needed more than just coat of paint.
It was decided that in order to get the Sakh'ingomso Children's Ministry into an acceptable state it was decided to prioritize on getting the structural requirements of the building including plumbing, electrical work, repairing of the brickwork on the building, filling up the pool to use the space for the kids' outside entertainment into a good state.
Donations
Items such as beds, appliances, toys and books were also donated by various corporates and individuals from the East London region.
Other items that were donated by the various Build It stores in East London include:
- Plumbing materials for the bathrooms and doors;
- An electrician to fit all electrical appliances;
Other sponsors
Other corporates that supported the campaign in the form of donations are:
- Khula Nathi Construction
- Profile Bick & Tile
- Plus Plant
- Pride Shelf
- Jevon Brodryk
- Dynamic Electrical
- Designer Lighting
- Ads
- Johnny Grant Agencies
- Lasher
- Cedar Vadek
- Abantu Medical & Surgical Supplies
- S & S Services
- Art & Sign
- Big Plumbing Supplies
- East London Rotary Club
- On Air Promotions
On air promotions have played a vital part in the success of the campaign with the presenters doing ad hoc mentions about the Operation OUTreach on a regular basis during their three hour shows.
The Algoa FM Morning show also has an interview with Derek Crabtree on the 8th of May to wrap up on the old centre and introduce the new one.
Handover Ceremony
The newly made-over building of the Sakh'ingomso Children's Ministry was handed over to the children at a brief handover ceremony. The children were served lunch and given toys and promotional items from both Algoa FM and OUTsurance. Algoa FM also spent time with the children after the formalities when they played with their new soccer balls.
The programme for the day included brief speeches by OUTsurance Head of Channel Marketing, Derek Crabtree, Algoa FM Marketing Manager, Carina van Heerde, Executive Director of Sakh'ingomso Children's Ministry, Gaye Mooniey.
The East London Rotary Club also said a few words at the event.