Sue and Luke moved from the UK to Sedgefield in December 2005 with the intentions of enjoying the country they had visited over many years, as well as contributing to the community in some way. Very soon they became involved in a local school feeding scheme. This experience led them to the abundant good works of local people who generously donate to provide and care for the sick and needy. Sue explained this to Michael Symes in Australia the CEO of a technology company Triasx, based in Brisbane, who also has a passion for South Africa and it's people. He was more than interested in meeting with local groups to establish a connection between his company in Australia and an organisation in SA.
During Michael's visit to SA in May 06, they met with Millicent from Knysna Aids Council. Millicent took Michael, his wife Jaqueline, Sue and Luke, her husband, to visit the Magdaleentjie crèche and Nombulelo's after school project in Concordia. They were all moved and touched by the children and the dedication of staff at both facilities and the Aids Council. They agreed that they would provide the crèche and Nombulelo with food, toiletries, gas and paraffin. Funds also go to the Lydia Foundation at the Agape Centre in Sedgefield whenever possible.
On his return to Australia, Michael set up a website www.breakthecycleproject.org and put his proposal to some 100 members of his staff encouraging them to make a regular donation, which the company would match on a $ for $ basis. This has been running since August 06.
The first transmission of funds arrived in August. Sue and Luke shopped for hours. As Sue says, "We had to support 77 children in Concordia, so the car suspension takes a beating once a month collecting 200kg of food and toiletries for distribution".
Their rationale for the provision of toiletries is to enhance self respect coaching. This includes towels, toothbrushes, deodorant and food. Little toothbrushes for little people, big toothbrushes for big people, but what colour? What about deodorant and shampoo? Can't give a boy anything coloured pink or in a pink container can you? Face cloths, is white a good colour? No, go for dark colours, same with towels.
Sue and Luke deliver food parcels weekly, fresh vegetables, jam, peanut butter and dried nutritional foods. Occasionally they throw in a treat like ice lollies.
Sue explained how they like to get involved. "We had a hand painting session at the crèche recently. On arrival the children were singing nursery rhymes in 3 languages, When teacher wasn't looking I threw in Incy Wincy Spider, the youngsters took over, with actions too. I was shown up by a bunch of 3-4 year olds! Very humbling".
Another humbling moment was when the first batch of toiletries were delivered to the after school care house with Nombulelo. Sue and Luke were met with song and tom-tom accompaniment.
Triasx employees are keen to be kept up to date with these projects, which is why the Triasx website is regularly updated with information received from both Millicent Seela and Sue. Perhaps a channel could be set up in the future to have some direct contact between the employees in Australia and some of the older children on the programme - this is still a work in progress. Michael intends to visit SA in early 2007 and will visit the projects to see first hand the difference the contributions are making to the very needy children on these projects.
BREAK THE CYCLE
Little did Sue and Luke Short in Sedgefield and Michael and Jaqueline Symes in Brisbane realise that they would make such a difference to the communities of Knysna from across continents.