Retrade project off opportunity to support disadvantaged families in Port Elizabeth

The ReTrade Project, a community-based recycling and social empowerment initiative, has welcomed over 200 traders to support the Metro’s impoverished since coming into existence in April.

The project gears for sustainability and provides hope to people from disadvantaged areas in the Nelson Mandela Bay, by exchanging recycled waste for basic food items.

With a dual aim of benefiting both the environment and the people of the region, ReTrade targets participants who are willing to seize the opportunity of turning waste into tradable commodities.

Participants collect recyclable waste such as tins, plastic bottles, cardboard, white paper, mixed paper and glass; and bring these recyclables to the ReTrade trading store situated at Fountain Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Walmer Heights.

“In exchange, they would then get basic grocery items, such as food or toiletries,” says founder of the ReTrade Project, Maria Grewar.

With its vision to ‘create a greener planet with less hungry families,’ Grewar expressed that the project instils principles such as work ethic, responsibility, work-place skills and a saving mentality.

“Over 2 492 bags of assorted waste has been recycled since April, proving that bartering is not dead, but fully alive.”

“This has the capability of restoring dignity, by helping those in need with a hand-up in life, rather than a hand-out,” she adds.

The project has an assembled volunteer team who offer their time to assist the respective traders.

“There are many ways to contribute. We encourage individuals and businesses alike to get involved,” Grewar added.

The ReTrade Project welcomes food donations, financial contributions, recycling donations and volunteer participation at its trade store.

Supporting the ReTrade Project, Jessica Ronaasen, a social worker in Port Elizabeth, encourages all corners of society to unite behind the Project’s aim of uplifting the often neglected populations in the Metro.

“We encourage families, friends, businesses, charities and all those wanting to make a difference to take up the challenge of supporting this community-based recycling project,” Ronaasen adds.

For more information visit its Facebook Page, ‘The Re-Trade Project’ or email [email protected] to find out how you can support this initiative.