In line with the bank’s belief in nation-building and community support, First National Bank (FNB Namibia), through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, has donated One Hundred Thousand Namibia Dollars (N$100,000.00) to the Thinus Bakkes Overnight Shelter. This contribution aims to enhance the shelter’s facilities and improve the lives of its residents.
Established in September 2016, the Thinus Bakkes Overnight Shelter serves as a refuge for homeless individuals, providing both accommodation and essential support services. The shelter’s ultimate goal is to reintegrate individuals into society offering services such as counselling, creating CVs for job applications, and working to restore their dignity through a Christian-centred approach.
During the official handover, El-Roy Potgieter, Head of Lending at WesBank, emphasised the profound impact that shelters like Thinus Bakkes Overnight Shelter have on individuals and society as a whole.
“Homeless shelters meet basic needs, provide support, restore dignity, instil pride, and create a sense of belonging. For many, they are a place to call home and are the foundation for rebuilding lives, fostering hope, and encouraging change. A society cannot truly thrive unless its people are thriving, which is why we are incredibly proud to support the Thinus Bakkes Overnight Shelter,” Potgieter stated.
With FNB’s contribution, the shelter has purchased a gas stove and cylinder, new bedding and towels, a storage cabinet, and refurbished the kitchen benches. These contributions aim to create a more comfortable living environment for the residents.
In addition to the financial assistance, FNB also provided individual gift packs to the shelter’s residents as a token of encouragement and support.
Speaking at the handover, Mario Diergaardt, a shelter resident, shared his inspiring journey with the shelter.
“Change is possible at the centre. Sometime back I ended up on the streets due to alcohol abuse. I lost my belongings and ended up on the streets of Windhoek. I used to sleep on a cardboard box in a parking lot. When it rains, I had to pick up my card box and run for shelter. Life on the street was very tough. Sometimes I would go for two weeks without taking a bath and three weeks without brushing my teeth. It made me feel that I am not a human being anymore. “
Diergaardt thanked FNB for the donation, adding that his son inspired him to work on his sobriety.
“At the beginning of the year, I made a choice to change my life. I decided to work on my alcohol addiction and opted to self-rehabilitate myself and the shelter has been a great support this far. People help me financially to pay the N$40.00 daily fee. I have a choice every day to buy alcohol or to pay for my accommodation at the centre. My son who is in grade 9 is looking up to me and have to be a good role model to him daily. It hurts me when my son sees me on the streets, which encourages me to work hard on overcoming my addiction, but I am working very hard on my addiction. Thank you FNB for the donation.”
Sharing the same sentiments Pastor Dries Burger, a key figure at the shelter, expressed deep gratitude for the donation.
“The shelter offers a sage home to homeless people. FNB’s donation changed the shelter into a loving home and for that we are forever grateful. The spirit in which the donation was made embodies the principle of generosity, emphasising the joy and fulfilment that come from helping others.”
Potgieter concluded the handover by acknowledging the dedication of the shelter’s management and staff, noting that their efforts are making a lasting impact.