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GEORGE NEWS AND GALLERY - During the Covid-19 pandemic when George Hospital, like Mediclinic George, was at the epicentre of the battle to save lives, the help extended by the Masketeers of Groenkloof Retirement Village proved to be crucial.
In the early days the Masketeers, and later other volunteers who followed suit, took one worry off the minds of the hospital management: getting a mask on the face of every patient and staff member.
PHOTO GALLERY: Hospital trust thanks the Groenkloof residents
Spurred on by a call for help by the hospital that was inundated at the time, Groenkloof resident Cheryll van Zyl spread the news among residents who could to sew or knit.
Soon the needles were clicking and sewing machines buzzing.
The women managed to sew 6 074 cloth masks that they donated to the hospital. They also made 187 hospital gowns, 14 hospital pants and 11 hospital scrubs as protective gear for the staff. The list of their donations also includes 12 knee rugs, 36 bibs, 72 caps, 113 baby blankets, 85 baby vests, 339 pairs of booties, 584 baby beanies, 48 baby jerseys, 89 octopus toys, 59 teddy bears, 24 soft toys, and 32 bags for mothers. Funding raised by the Masketeers covered the costs.
As a gesture of gratitude, the George Hospital Trust on Tuesday 14 March treated the 33 knitters and sewers to a lovely high tea at the new Groenkloof Restaurant.
It was a fun morning with ladies wearing themed hats portraying their task of making the masks.
Cheryll van Zyl (second from right) got the Masketeers going sewing and knitting items for the George Hospital. With her are, from left: hospital CEO Michael Vonk, George Hospital Trust member Beryll Bronkhorst, trust chairman Rev Michiel Burger and trust member Blyth Thompson.
Speaking at the event, trust chairman Rev Michiel Burger said the women instilled hope in dark times.
"You helped a whole hospital to survive in a very difficult period. You persevered and wherever your gifts went, people knew someone was caring."
Hospital CEO Michael Vonk said enjoying a happy get-together after what everyone has been through over the past two years made for an emotional moment.
With the Masketeers' support, the hospital was able to protect staff and patients very early on in the pandemic. During a time of massive pressure on the hospital, it was a relief to hand over the task of supplying masks to volunteers who were willing to give their time and effort.
Many patients had to choose between buying bread for their family and a mask, so these donations were crucial.
The Groenkloof ladies also inspired other volunteers in the George area to donate to the hospital.
Liz Orr was very creative with her hat.
Enjoying a fun morning together, from left: Joan Hoffmann, Henriëtte Smith and Sandy Lupton-Smith. Photos: Alida de Beer
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