Come winter in the Cape and it can get dire for people in need. Keeping warm, and being fed and clothed can be a full-time job and for mense with few resources, life gets more than challenging just trying to meet these basic needs.
This is the time, more than ever, to reach out and do something valuable for others; to do some service.
This is a place where the Cape car community has pitched in, consistently, over the years. Service is an integral part of the culture. It has never been for the kudos, for the publicity, even though when Bobby finds one of these many stories he finds it worth sharing.
But the doing of service in your community is more than a great idea, it asks for an action plan. Raeez Yon, chairperson of the Cape Caddy Movement, puts it simply: “What good is a bunch of people with kick-ass rides and no purpose?”
CHIP IN: Rushdien Johaar and Prudence Ruiters from Cape Polo Crew. Photo: SHAHIEM BELL
At the core of service is giving, looking around in your community and seeing who may be struggling, who may need a hand up, then getting together as a group and figuring out how you can get the resources together to contribute to the needs of other people.
Bobby Nitro spoke to Raeez, about the Cape Caddy Movement (CCM) and a recent initiative they were involved in.
Raeez says: “As is seen and experienced with so many car clubs, the members of CCM all have another common factor, besides their love for VW. Their hearts all stand together to uplift those in need, communities and individuals alike. So at the core of our club’s philosophy is the giving of charity.”
Cape Caddy Movement, by the way, “is a bunch of guys with a love for cars, with the VW Caddy as the common denominator, we came together to form this movement in April last year”.
INITIATIVE: Kevin Windvogel, Brendan Adam, Chuané and Neill McAllister from CCM. Photo: SHAHIEM BELL
He continues: “We came up with the idea of hosting a soup kitchen with a linked blanket drive. Last Friday, we came together at the Urban Sounds workshop in Athlone, as we had realised that there was and still is great need in the vicinity.
“The soup was made by members themselves and all ingredients were donated by the members. Coupled with this, we started our next venture by collecting blankets on the evening. The blanket drive was well supported by all.
ON BOARD: Cape Caddy Movement showing their love for the cause. Photo: SHAHIEM BELL
“We had Cape Polo Crew supporting as well. They helped with the dishing and issuing of soup and bread. Shahiem Bell, of TPDZ, was there clicking away as well as giving back. The spirit was great and you could tell all the people had fun.”
Prudence Ruiters, the chairperson of Cape Polo Crew, says: “We rocked up to support the guys and we’re going to do more going forward. For me, the best moment, besides of course seeing people who really could do with a good meal getting one, was doing the actual initiative. It is great to see the satisfaction of people who don’t really know each other coming together for a common goal.”
SWEET RIDE: Vehicles belonging to members of the CCM crew. Photo: SHAHIEM BELL
And that’s what it is all about, service links you with something bigger than just you. Service couldn’t care less about status and brand or about your ego.
As such, doing service is probably the best way to counteract selfishness, that vibe that can come on when you’re doing well, the ride is looking awesome and you’re feeling top of the world. That’s about the right time to do something helpful for someone else. In short, it saves you from turning into an ego-driven maniac in a V6.
ACT OF GOODWILL: Cape Caddy Movement members brave the cold weather. Photo: SHAHIEM BELL
Raeez adds: “The highlight of a venture of this sort was definitely the smiles of appreciation of the community. I’m talking about the youngest of the kids saying thank you before the cup has even touched their hands. And grown ups asking permission to bring a slightly bigger bowl for their families. All in all it was a well- supported experience with rewards greater than any trophy.”
Blankets will be handed out on 24 June. Donations are still welcome until then. Find out how you can contribute on the Cape Caddy Movement or Cape Polo Crew Facebook pages.