The MK1 Cartel car club, led by Zoë Prinsloo from Edgemead, is making waves not just for their passion for cars but for their strong commitment to community upliftment.
Recently, the club organised a donation drive to support residents displaced by the devastating wildfires in Dunoon. The donations were delivered to the Goodwood Fire Station, chosen for its central location that made it accessible for members living in Goodwood and neighbouring areas.
The fires in Dunoon were catastrophic, leaving more than 2 000 residents without homes or basic necessities. Entire neighbourhoods were destroyed or severely damaged, forcing families into emergency shelters and creating an urgent need for aid in the form of food, clothing, toiletries, and other essential items.
Community organisations and local authorities quickly rallied to coordinate relief efforts, and MK1 Cartel was among those stepping up to make a difference.
MK1 Cartel has been running its Final Fridays initiative since 2025, hosting monthly car meets that also serve as collection points for donations to various charities. Each month, the crew chooses a different type of item to collect — ranging from non-perishable food and school supplies to pet food and pre-loved clothing — which are then distributed to organisations supporting vulnerable communities.
When news of the Dunoon fires broke, the crew made the decision to dedicate their final collection of 2025 specifically to the victims of this disaster. Over the course of several weeks, members gathered a significant amount of much-needed supplies, including approximately 15 large bags of clothing, shoes, toiletries, toys, and non-perishable food items. The total value of the donated goods exceeded R70 000.
Donation handover at Goodwood Fire Station
Prinsloo, who manages the club’s operations, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The scale of the devastation in Dunoon was heartbreaking. Many people lost everything overnight, and we felt compelled to help. Our club isn’t just about cars — it’s about community, and this was a chance to really make a tangible difference. Seeing our members come together to donate despite their own challenges has been truly inspiring.”
She also highlighted some of the obstacles the club faced in organising the donations. “We understand that not everyone can donate large amounts, especially when juggling personal budgets. But every little bit counts, and we encourage participation in any form — whether it’s a can of food or just showing up to support. The important thing is the spirit of giving and the community we build around that.”
The response from members has been overwhelmingly positive, and the club has worked hard to clarify that attendance at their monthly meets is open to all, regardless of whether or not individuals bring donations. The focus is on fostering a welcoming atmosphere where car enthusiasts can unite for a shared purpose.
Breaking stereotypes through social responsibility
MK1 Cartel is passionate about changing negative perceptions of car crews, which are sometimes unfairly seen as troublemakers.
Dylan De Beer, a club spokesperson, spoke about their broader goals: “The car community has a huge reach through social media, and with that comes responsibility. We want to show that we’re not just about cars; we’re about making a positive impact. Collaborating with other crews and organisations multiplies our ability to give back and uplift those around us.”
Expanding the impact
The club plans to continue and expand their monthly donation drives in 2026, aiming to increase the volume and variety of items collected and to partner with more charities and community organisations. They invite anyone interested — whether or not they’re car enthusiasts — to get involved in helping build stronger, more resilient communities.
Fire station distributes donations to the victims
Goodwood Fire Station has confirmed that donations were carefully distributed to families and individuals most in need in the Dunoon area. While no direct feedback was received from beneficiaries regarding this particular handover, previous collections have been met with heartfelt gratitude.
The MK1 Cartel encourages other car crews and community groups to join forces in similar efforts, reminding everyone that collective action can create real change. As de Beer puts it, “Sometimes we need to think beyond our own circles and aim to inspire more good. Together, we can make a bigger difference than any one group alone.”
