In South Africa's Western Cape province, a small community named 'Chicago' in the town of Paarl is preparing for its first-ever Fix Your Space (street make-over) event taking place on 9 and 10 December, 2022. Ranyaka has been journeying with the community of Chicago for the past 3 years - understanding local challenges, identifying the opportunities and strengths of this marginalised community to co-create a holistic community transformation plan for the area, mobilise and equip project teams to be the drivers of change in their area. Whilst gangsterism, crime, substance abuse, and unemployment levels are high in the area, the members of the Chicago Development Initiative (local project teams) and a multitude of community volunteers are determined to make a positive difference - tackling challenges head-on! We believe that the physical appearance and cleanliness of a space have a tremendous impact on community safety, social cohesion, community morale, and the investability of a place. For this reason, Ranyaka's 'Fix Your Space' programme focuses on giving open spaces a complete facelift - understanding that the impact will be far-reaching. This programme forms part of a broader, holistic community transformation process being rolled out in Chicago, as we believe that isolated projects seldom yield sustainable impact. From imagining a better Chicago - to a total transformation In April 2022, Ranyaka hosted a 'Reimagine Chicago' event where over 300 community members shared their ideas on how to transform one street in their area at an interactive, creative 'reimagine' gathering. The community spoke. We listened. Extensive planning followed in collaboration with the local project team. Fix Your Space Chicago - 9 & 10 December 2022 On 9 and 10 December, volunteers will tackle a section of Springbok Street - one of the main thoroughfares through Chicago that passes by the local primary school. Activities will include:
Painting houses and small home-based shops
Fixing and installing fencing
Installing solar lighting (crime flourishes in dark alleys)
Planting trees
General cleaning up
As at 24 November 2022, based on funds raised to date, the total amount required to complete the project as planned is $11 000. (Scroll down for detailed list.) IMPORTANT YOUR GIFTS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE
Ranyaka's fiscal sponsor, KBFUS, is a U.S. public charity within the meaning of Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. This means that donors are eligible for a U.S. income tax deduction for their contributions to the extent permitted by U.S. tax law.
HELP US REACH THE $5000 MARK TO WITHDRAW FUNDS
While KBFUS enables us to run campaigns very cost effectively in the US, we need to reach a $5000 hurdle to be able to draw any funding raised on the platform. Please assist us by sharing widely! Also, even small monthly donations will help us in many exponential ways, not least of which is to always be able to clear the $5000 minimum distribution threshold. BELOW: Moments captured at the Reimagine Chicago event in April 2022 Fix Your Space - Detailed needs outline with pricing

For more information: Email admin@ranyaka.co.za

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For gifts by check: Write your check to KBFUS, write " FERN Ranyaka American Friends Fund " in the memo section of the check, and send it to KBFUS, 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10176. Gifts by wire transfer or to contribute other types of property: Email KBFUS at: info@kbfus.org or phone (212) 713 7660.