GEORGE NEWS - Louis Keyter of the Denneoord Neigbourhood Watch scooped the We Are George Good Citizen of the Month Award for March for his volunteer work and incredible assistance during the George fires last year.

In his nomination motivation, Chris Fourie wrote if it weren't for Keyter's clear, regular and calm updates during the fires, many citizens would have been completely in the dark about what was happening and what action they were to take to ensure their own safety.

"He really went out of his way mobilising the Denneoord Neighbourhood Watch team to assist in various roles for most of the week. His voice was the only voice that was heard during the fires. He updated and unified the whole community while managing to create calm amidst total chaos and pandemonium."

Mikaila Hendrikz of We Are George says Keyter is a worthy winner, setting an example for all residents of George. "People of his calibre make George a special place to live in. Please join the search for more exceptional Georgians by nominating and voting on the George Good Citizen Awards Facebook page."

Get involved
Keyter says he believes people should roll up their sleeves and get involved. "You can't just sit back and moan. We are only 10 guys in the neighbourhood watch doing our bit for safety while there are thousands of homes in Denneoord. Even so we make a huge difference, and I urge all Georgians to join their local neighbourhood watch. At the moment we are on call 24/7 and take turns patrolling the area."

They have a very good working relationship with the police. "Georgians are privileged to have a police force of which the vast majority aim to serve and protect. Most of the criminals are repeat offenders. The problem lies with the justice system as the felons are released time and time again. The police also find this very discouraging," he says. 

Their neighbourhood watch recently assisted the provincial traffic department at a roadblock on a Saturday night and he and his co-volunteers only got home at 04:00. But, he says, seeing crime go down makes it all worthwhile.

During the fires Keyter used their neigbourhood watch of about 1 500 members to keep residents informed, as other communication channels were almost nonexistent. "Getting updates were near impossible, so we went up to the emergency airfield and from there gathered info to keep the people in the loop."

Nominate and vote
Do you know someone who unselfishly gives to our city without compensation or expectation? Someone who makes a difference in our community with passion and enthusiasm? If so, this person can be the next George Good Citizen of the Month.

George Herald has taken hands with We Are George and other major role players to promote and support the George Good Citizen Award initiative. The initiative was started in October last year to recognise deserving citizens who walk the extra mile to make George a better place. A prize of R1 000 cash is awarded each month to the citizen who was voted George Good Citizen of the Month by the public on Facebook.

Go to the Facebook pages of We Are George or George Good Citizen Awards to vote for or nominate your most inspiring Georgians. 

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