Isuzu Truck South Africa recently tapped into its belief that “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world’ by launching the #ITSAEMPTYTRUCK book collection project – and the end result has been a phenomenal success with over 38 400 books collected over a period of 22 days.
The project was launched on March 24th in Port Elizabeth just prior to the Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship held in the city. In support of Isuzu Trucks involvement with the Ironman events, the charity ‘IRONMAN 4 the Kidz’ was selected as the 2016 beneficiary. This charity aims to raise awareness of the plight of less fortunate children, who often come from dysfunctional family backgrounds, and to improve the quality of these children’s lives by making them more meaningful.
The project was based on the international award-winning concept, ‘The Empty Shop’, whereby Isuzu Trucks invited the public to donate, literally filling up an empty truck with books. To ensure maximum participation, Isuzu Trucks placed collection boxes in 25 locations in and around the city of Port Elizabeth.
Commenting on the project, Craig Uren, Chief Operating Officer for Isuzu Truck South Africa says this was a natural step for Isuzu as the company has always been interested in empowering youth and giving back.
“A book is all it takes to make a difference in a child’s life and a learning tool that drives development in our societies. Each book brings us a step closer to driving a better South Africa,” he says. Well, through this project, over 38 400 steps have been taken towards a better South Africa.
At the end of the collection period, it took six volunteers four days to count and sort the books into various genres, different age categories and into batches suitable for the various children’s homes. The book categories included fiction and non-fiction, as well as school and university textbooks
Garth Wright, former Springbok and founder of ‘IRONMAN 4 the Kidz’, says he is overwhelmed by the astounding support received from the community and other stakeholders.
“It’s heart-warming to see that the people of Port Elizabeth have given a child an opportunity to be literate. Education is a tool which transforms a person to live a better life and literacy is very close to our hearts as an organisation. The fact that Isuzu Trucks is willing to support our dream and fight beside us is a real honour.”
Isuzu Truck South Africa plans to roll out the project in other cities around South Africa this year and has set a bigger target for 2017.
FleetWatch lifts its hat to Isuzu truck South Africa on this great initiative. Words – spoken and written – are the building blocks of life and Isuzu Trucks has made a commitment to build communities and in the long run help build a better South Africa. By donating a book, everyone has the opportunity to give members of needy communities the book that might just help shape their life – and Isuzu has made this possible. Hats off to you!
