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Trellidor secures the Mercury Hibberdene Children's Home

11 November 2008

The Mercury Hibberdene Children's Home on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast recently underwent a much-needed refurbishment, with Trellidor securing all windows and external doors with burglar guards and security gates to the value of R112 000. The 86-year old home hosts paying guests such as schools and religious groups, whose tariffs are used to subsidise free holidays for underprivileged children from poor communities and children's homes around South Africa.

"In total, we manufactured and installed 17 Trellidors and 30 Trellidor Grilles, and have undertaken to guarantee them for as long is the home is operational," said Trellidor marketing director Peter Rawson. These security barriers have been fitted to the manager's house, diningroom, kitchen, main entrance, hall and cottages.

Renovations included replacing windows, bedlinen and curtains, repainting, sanding and sealing floors, overhauling the kitchen and swimming pool and electrical repairs. Chairman of the board Phillida Ellis said: "The generosity of the community has been absolutely overwhelming."

Trellidor had no hesitation in getting involved in this massive undertaking because the home is well-established and has been operating for many years. The Mercury was highly committed to raising the funds for the renovations, receiving donations of almost R2 million. Mercury readers, small local businesses and multi-national corporations all contributed to restoring the home to its former glory.

The current home was built in 1932 and served as a hospital during World War II. The Children's Home dates back to the depression years around 1921 when children of unemployed families were brought to the seaside for holidays.