COMMUNITY busybodies, members from the Workbench Centre in Parkside, do not back down from an opportunity to lend a helping hand.
Despite being either mentally or physically disabled, the members are involved in various projects as a way of making a little extra income to supplement the disability grant that most of them receive.
From moulding plastic sucker sticks, building fridge brackets and egg holders to growing their own fresh fruit and vegetables, hard work is nothing new to the Workbench people, who are often sub- contracted for a stipend by local companies.
The centre’s latest project is more community involved. Situated next to the Parkridge Congregational Church, the Workbench members are offering their assistance in the building of the long- awaited church hall.
Workbench Centre manager Pansy Jonas said she was proud of the efforts made by their members.
“I am really excited at what is being done. Plans for this church hall have been coming along for the past 10 to 15 years, and for it to finally come to pass, with our help, is just so amazing.
“Our people, the disabled, are so excited and happy to be a part of something that benefits the community. I hope this encourages the rest of the community to take part too.”
Pansy’s husband, Basil Jonas, is the chairman of the building committee for the church and said planning for the hall had begun in October last year.
They hoped to have the hall completed by September this year. The laying of the brickwork started last week, with the assistance of the Workbench members.
“At the end of the day, this is a community thing and we want everyone to be a part of it. This may also be a way of keeping some of our community members out of mischief and doing something that will help us all,” Basil said.
“It’s amazing some of the things that happen in this community, especially over the weekends and we hope that by doing something like this, we are able to bring about change.”
Morné Mitchell, 20, said : “I enjoy everything we do and I am glad to be a part of it. I like building, cleaning, gardening and cutting grass. I paint too, but that’s not really my strong point but I try to help where I can. All we need now is a kombi.”—
Church built by disabled folk
Despite being either mentally or physically disabled, the members are involved in various projects as a way of making a little extra income to supplement the disability grant that most of them receive.
From moulding plastic sucker sticks, building fridge brackets and egg holders to growing their own fresh fruit and vegetables, hard work is nothing new to the Workbench people, who are often sub- contracted for a stipend by local companies.
The centre’s latest project is more community involved. Situated next to the Parkridge Congregational Church, the Workbench members are offering their assistance in the building of the long- awaited church hall.
Workbench Centre manager Pansy Jonas said she was proud of the efforts made by their members.
“I am really excited at what is being done. Plans for this church hall have been coming along for the past 10 to 15 years, and for it to finally come to pass, with our help, is just so amazing.
“Our people, the disabled, are so excited and happy to be a part of something that benefits the community. I hope this encourages the rest of the community to take part too.”
Pansy’s husband, Basil Jonas, is the chairman of the building committee for the church and said planning for the hall had begun in October last year.
They hoped to have the hall completed by September this year. The laying of the brickwork started last week, with the assistance of the Workbench members.
“At the end of the day, this is a community thing and we want everyone to be a part of it. This may also be a way of keeping some of our community members out of mischief and doing something that will help us all,” Basil said.
“It’s amazing some of the things that happen in this community, especially over the weekends and we hope that by doing something like this, we are able to bring about change.”
Morné Mitchell, 20, said : “I enjoy everything we do and I am glad to be a part of it. I like building, cleaning, gardening and cutting grass. I paint too, but that’s not really my strong point but I try to help where I can. All we need now is a kombi.”—
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