GEORGE NEWS - Local businessman Craig Anderson has been awarded the Louis Volks Citizen of the Year 2024. 

This prestigious award, presented by Lions Clubs International, Southern Africa, was presented to Anderson at a gala ceremony at the Wilderness Hotel on Friday 3 May.

The award recognises individuals who are not members of the Lions organisation but have demonstrated exceptional service to their community.

 "Anderson, owner of Landy World George, exemplifies this spirit through his dedication to addressing the needs of the George community. His commitment to service is evident in his numerous contributions to the community, often at his own expense. 

"During the devastating Knysna fires in 2017, Craig [Anderson] risked his own safety to assist in rescuing people, showcasing his extraordinary selflessness and compassion," said past district governor and founder of the Eden Lions Club, Carl van Blerk.

Beyond emergency response, Anderson actively engages in initiatives that address social issues and support local organisations. 

According to Van Blerk, Anderson has contributed significantly to food drives for the SPCA and Odin, as well as organising 4x4 days to raise funds for the Lions.

Together with his team from Landy World, he also joined the George Alert Team (Gat).

"They [Gat] were a tremendous asset to the teams working on the ground during the recent George building collapse, providing transportation and many other resources to the search and rescue teams.

"His unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others truly embodies the essence of good citizenship," said Van Blerk.

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