In service for the greater good

They say that you derive an incredible amount of pleasure from giving to others. Voluntary community work is a calling for some, and for others something they make part of a busy schedule. A few Georgians shared how they serve the community:

Animal welfare

Taryn Groenewald and Coriza Vermeulen are volunteers who help to get cats in impoverished areas sterilised. "We visit the townships and find cats that are in need of sterilisation.

A few of the local veterinary clinics give us welfare rates for which we have to raise funds," said Groenewald. "We also find homes for kittens." For more information, contact Furever Cats on 082 374 7051.

Knitting for charity

Edna Taljaard has been knitting little bears for the past 12 years, which she donates every year as Christmas presents to various charities, including George Child and Family Welfare. She also donates to nursery schools, Sunday schools and welfare clubs at York High.

"My greatest joy is to put a little bear in a child's hand and see how the child realizes it is his or hers, the joy in the eyes and the wide smile," said Taljaard. "If you ask what the name of the little bear is, it surprises me every time how quickly a name comes out of the child's mouth!"

Edna Taljaard has been knitting little bears for the past 12 years, which she loves to pop into the hands of children.

Elsewhere in town the George Charity Knitting Club, which has been in existence since 2008, is working hard for several welfare organisations. They recently packed 427 items for distribution to Cansa, Bethesda Hospice and Child & Youth Centre, George Night Shelter, Thuthuzela and St Luigi Scrosoppi Projects.

The group meet the second Tuesday of every month at 14:00 at the Catholic Church in Meade Street. For information contact Lynette Rayment at 082 789 6188.

Lynette Rayment's charity knitting group recently packed 427 items for distribution to various local charities.

Drug awareness

Freddy Trout of Pasa (People against Substance Abuse) is unremittingly involved with substance abuse prevention and awareness programs, as well as life skills programs in schools. He also consult parents or families with loved ones who are addicted to drugs or substance abuse.

"I also refer people to effective and affordable rehabilitation centers as and when needed, and when the person completes the rehab program, we also provide aftercare and long term support to the person and the family involved," said Trout.

He started this work back in 2006 as a former drug addict and gang leader. "I believe that I am living out my purpose daily. I have been clean from drugs for 14 years this year, but I also believe there is a difference between "clean" and "free" from drugs, and that is why aftercare after a rehab program is vitally important."

Trout recently launched a new organisation called Community Wellness Project that will be focussing on HIV, TB, sexual and reproductive health rights programs in schools. The idea is to implement these programs also in businesses and communities in the form of community dialogues and Wellness Days.

Freddy Trout of Pasa (People against Substance Abuse) is involved full time with substance abuse prevention and awareness programmes, as well as lifeskills programmes in schools.

Soup kitchens

Vareasa Hendriks opened Vlinders Kleuterskool in Rosemoor back in 2019 to provide a safe place for children. "Lack of education, poverty, unemployment, drug abuse and alcohol abuse are familiar things in our community," said Hendriks.

"My vision is to create a safe, clean, loving environment for the children and to educate children so that they can become and achieve what they want in the world, considering each child’s individual needs." Hendriks provide three healthy meals every day and also operate a soup kitchen from the crèche to approximately 80 people in the community, as well as distributing soya and rice parcels.

Vareasa Hendriks provides three healthy meals every day and also operates a soup kitchen from her crèche to feed about 80 people in the community

Henry Robinson and his wife moved to George two years ago, settling in a house in Rosedale Pacaltsdorp. "On arrival we observed there was a need amongst the children, most of the parents were unemployed," said Robinson.

"We decided to start a soup kitchen to make soup for the children twice a month.We are both retired and received our old age grant. We catered for about 50 children but ended up with a 100. With the help of our friends and family that gives us donations, we give these children a Christmas lunch and easter eggs."

Henry Robinson and his wife started a soup kitchen in Rosedale, Pacaltsdorp. These hearty meals help their community.