During Andrew Reynolds 2007 visit to the infamous Khaylitsha Township district townships just outside Cape Town, South Africa, he was introduced to an inspiring entrepreneur who had set up the first Bed and Breakfast business in the Township 2 years earlier.
Vicky had set up ‘Vicky’s B & B’ in 2005 after enlarging the size of her shack and creating 2 storeys and what Vicky calls ‘the honeymoon suite’ at her humble B & B establishment.
During an impromptu tour around Vicky’s business, posters on the walls declared this to be the World’s smallest B & B and the only one in Khaylitsha offering a ‘real township’ experience. Andrew was impressed by how Vicky had developed and promoted her business, which had seen her become a pillar of strength within her local community.
Not satisfied with improving her own life with the B&B business, Vicky showed Andrew plans for an ambitious re-housing project she and her neighbours had each undertaken, which would greatly improve the quality of life for many local people.
Vicky explained that they had torn down 20 houses in their community and were in the process of building replacement brick built homes with proper roofs and gardens. Vicky then explained that the project had run out of money half way through, and the 20 planned homes were without roofs and windows and some way off completion.
Touched by Vicki’s drive to improve her community’s lives, Andrew promised Vicky he would provide the funding required to get the houses completed before the onset of winter.
In 2008 Andrew revisited Vicky in Khaylitsha to see how the Housing Project was coming along. During his visit he was guest of honour at an opening ceremony for the first completed house, where Vicky also revealed that they had renamed the street to ‘Andrew Reynolds Boulevard’ in his honour.
Not satisfied with her own business and the completion of the housing project, Vicky went onto explain to Andrew her desire to set up a community run Restaurant which would feed visiting tourists and provide a much needed source of income to her local community.
Andrew agreed to pay the start-up costs of buying the cooking equipment on the condition that when he revisited he would get a free meal!
Vicky opened her community restaurant in 2010 just in time for the FIFA World Cup Finals held in South Africa and Andrew is looking forward to tucking into a meal when he revisits Vicky later in 2011.
Giving back to a community can be the most rewarding experience. I firmly believe that we are here to love and serve unconditionally. I did three months voluntary work with the Homestead in Cape Town in 2003 and worked with three street teenagers. I worked on their self esteem and confidence building. The results were amazing. I hope to go back again in the near future for some more voluntary work.I applaud you Vicky for doing the impossible and I applaud you Andrew Reynolds for having such a big generous heart and I would love to share whatever skills I have to those in need.
Richard -Galway
“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson