In 2005, Richard Clark set out to deliver gift bags that were made up for the previously disadvantaged kids and elderly people in the Karoo. The first trip was to Middelpos, Fraserburg and Sutherland.
2006: Gift bags were delivered to Laingsburg and then to Ladysmith via the back roads of the Karoo. A Mercedes Vito Bus was sponsored by Izak Smith to ensure a safe trip on the dusty roads.
2007: Gift Bags were packed and the trip was set for De Doorns then Montagu, Ladismith, Van Wyksdorp, Herbertsdale, Mosselbay and Riversdale. The vehicle used was again a Mercedes Vito Bus sponsored by Izak Smith.
2008: Great changes started taking place, humble beginnings started expanding. On board came Tony da Costa, Izak Smith, Johan van Schalkwyk, Wayne Gentry, Ernst Jordaan and Marilyn Beck. We reached out to Rietbron with food parcels which fed the whole town.
2009: This time the trip was to the Karoo town of Merweville. Food parcels were handed to members of the “Karoobossies”, a club for senior citizens. Both the schools in the town were blessed with gift bags for the kids.
2011: Food parcels were delivered to Loeriesfontein.
2012 – 2013: We returned to Merweville and decided to make this our project of hope. We started to invest in the lives of the children by making their boarding home a better place. We delivered much needed electrical kitchen appliances. DSTV was installed, and we bought a TV and DVD player for the children to watch movies and educational programmes. In May of 2013, we delivered netball gear to the school, as well as other much needed sporting gear. Our first “Time 2 Care” Competition took place in 2012, the prizes were: Two Breitling watches, One for the ladies and one for the gents.
2014: What an amazing journey this has been, God is and will always be at the center of this project, we give Him all the glory for its success. In 2013 we received generous donations from many people and this year we were able to have a complete play park built and installed for the kids at the Boarding House. Our S2M event has grown in numbers and we are so grateful to each and every rider for their continued support. Without them we would not be able to do what we do.
Richard also came across an old aged home in Laingsburg called Huis Malan Jacobs. It was placed on his heart to do more for the elderly and to make their time pleasant and happy in the home. We blessed them with knitting wool, biscuit pans, muffin trays, vegetable dishes, Heart Monitors, Bed wedges etc.
2015: Our 2015 S2M event was a great success. With the funds raised we were able to bless Huis Mervia with much needed groceries, toiletries, kitchen equipment, washing machines etc. Other donations were received from our riders, in the form of a slush puppy machine, an industrial bread cutter, mirrors for each room etc.
With donations received from Dr JS Badenhorst from Canada, we were able to renovate the tennis / netball court at the school so that the children can enjoy their sports.
Wawwa decided to keep in contact with the children that have left Laerskool Merweville to pursue their high school career. With the generosity of our supporters and sponsors, we were able to provide them with the necessary school uniforms, sports gear and casual wear.
2016: Wall fans were installed in the bedrooms of the hostel due to the high temperatures experienced in summer months. Flood Lights / Day lights were installed around the premises for security measures. A PA System, Microphone and Speakers were installed in the building to ensure clear communication to learners. Drains were repaired, cupboards restored and renewed. Maintenances of the rugby field has continued by supplying seeds, roundup for weeds, net for the dam that provides water for the field etc.
2017: With the assistance of Petro Maas at Stellies Stay in Stellenbosh, a really special project was raised to provide a birthday cake and gift to every learner on their special day. Cakes were made by Alta Van Eeden on every occassion. We repaired the washing machines in the hostel laundry room. Curtains were made for the kitchen due to the heat waves experienced in the karoo, the working conditions were unbearable at times. Additional fans were installed in the kitchen and serving area.
2018: A donation of new mattresses were delivered to Huis Mervia. Installation of RO System with pump supplied by Dulce Water at cost price.
Repairs were done to the boarding home, maintenance, water pipe restored and groceries purchased.
