A trip down memory lane
A group of friends who share a passion for classic cars completed a road trip through five towns in the central north of Namibia last week.The group who undertook their journey with nine classic cars made a donation from their own pocket to old age homes in each of the towns.
Last year, six cars travelled to the South of the country. According to Simon van Zyl, the classic cars date from 1965 to 1984 and immediately attract the attention of communities in the towns they visit.
"It's awesome. I think it definitely catches someone's eye. We've been overwhelmed by people in the local community who have come to see. I think it's been a boost to people's spirits when they've seen the cars," Simon says. It was especially the elderly at the old age homes where they visited, who were able to recall their memories of the cars of yesteryear.
"It was great to be able to show the cars to the old people. Then they say 'this is the car I grew up with'. You can see their eyes shining," he says.
The group of friends all met through their passion for old cars. Simon set up a business in Omaruru from old cars and later invited his friends to travel with him.
"Why do we keep the cars in garages? They can all drive," he says.
The group donated around N$2 000 at a retirement home in each of the towns.
"We all have a passion for classic cars and we just thought that if we can spend money on ourselves and our cars, we can also give to others," Simon says about the decision to make donations part of their trip. - [email protected]