KNYSNA: Remembering the 2017 fires - A community Day of Appreciation has been planned for Sunday 10 June at Pledge Nature Reserve in Main Street, Knysna, to commemorate the June 2017 fires.

The day is being coordinated by a group of Knysna locals to provide an opportunity for residents of Greater Knysna to unite in commemoration of the traumatic events of June. It will be an inclusive, nonpolitical and secular occasion at a venue that is the green heart of Knysna.

The organising committee consists of Dalene Willemse, Claudia Pirker, Sam Lurie, Karen Rademeyer, Jeannine Orzechowski, Ashley Barnes, Cheryl Britz, Nanna Joubert and Alida Weldon. Spokesperson Willemse says appreciation includes recognition and a full understanding of a situation. 

“It will be an opportunity to understand and recognise the losses suffered by so many in the area,” she explains. “We will also remember and appreciate all the magnificent deeds, gifts, support and assistance from within our community and beyond.

Cathie Garner, Anita Best, Nanna Joubert, Maggie Gawie, Dalene Willemse, Ashley Barnes, Claudia Pirker with Hagar Gawie, Alida Weldon, Mervyn Crous, Sam Lurie, Sabelo Mntuyedwa, Jeannine Orzechowski, Jackie Barham and Karen Rademeyer. 

Helping one another heal
“The day will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and to show our support for one another as we rebuild our lives and our environment. We trust that this initiative will be the impetus for other community-driven and creative projects, focused on healing and moving forward together as a community.”

Pledge reserve was chosen as venue because of its centrality, its connection with nature, and its association with the fire during which it suffered serious damage.

“We realised that people want to do something to mark the first anniversary of the fires, but many are not ready for a celebration and do not want to attend an event with speeches or an official programme. We also realised that some would want to spend the day of 7 June on their own or with their families.

"With input from psychologists Lynn Stoker and Joanne Kaschula, it was decided that our Knysna Day of Appreciation would be gentle and unstructured. People can relax in a beautiful and peaceful natural setting, listen to local school choirs and soft music, take a walk through the recovering reserve and be part of a commemorative tree being planted.”

Cathie Garner, Hagar Gawie, Claudia Pirker and Ashley Barnes. Photos: www.ellephoto.co.za

Commemorative rocks
The highlight of the day will be the opportunity to be a part of a creative project called Healing Hearts of Knysna. Community members are invited to contribute “love rocks” – hearts painted on pebbles, with the option of including words or messages of appreciation, encouragement and hope. 

The pebbles will be formed into one giant heart, to be mounted/placed at a later date at the reserve. The Knysna Rocks initiative, headed by Barnes, will be at Pledge reserve on the day to facilitate painting and provide pebbles to people who do not bring their own. Those who would like to contribute painted pebbles, but are not able to attend the event, are invited to deliver their pebbles to The German Shop at 45 Waterfront Drive. 

Smooth, rounded pebbles should be no bigger than the size of your palm, and should be decorated with acrylic paint and preferably also sealed with acrylic sealant. No other materials should be stuck or tied on, to ensure that the pebbles remain environment-friendly.

Cathie Garner and Ashley Barnes from Knysna Rocks are facilitating the painting of rocks.

Tree planting
The occasion will also allow residents to help the reserve get back on its feet after the severe damage it suffered in the fires. Guests will have the opportunity to buy a tree for R200. In return they will receive a Pledge certificate and the trees will be planted in identified areas after the event.

The Day of Appreciation will be from 12:00 until 16:00. There will be an entrance fee of R20 per adult or child, which will include a light refreshment. All proceeds will go towards the rehabilitation of the reserve. Additional eats and drinks will also be available for purchase on the day.

Please note that alcohol is not permitted in the reserve and no pets are allowed on that day, due to the volumes of attendees.

Find out more

For enquiries, please email dayofappreciation@gmail.com.

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