KNYSNA NEWS - Rheenendal-based soccer club Pine Stars FC lent a helping hand to a Goukamma family, to prevent their house from deteriorating into a state of dilapidation.
The house, situated just off the road that goes to Buffalo Bay and near the site where the old Goukamma train station used to be, has been occupied by the Grootboom family for the past 60 years.
In that time, they have built various extensions to accommodate their expanding number of occupants, which presently stands at 22.
During lockdown, while the club was involved in putting together and distributing food parcels to those in need in the Greater Knysna area, focusing on Rheenendal, they got a call to help out in Goukamma.
"We had been contacted by one of the ladies living here, saying they needed help with water," said club secretary Alberto Marbi. The club dropped off water and food as soon as they could, which is when they noticed that not only did the family need a new water tank, they desperately needed a home renovation.
"The house was in a very, very bad state when we first laid our eyes on it," Marbi explained.
The house during deconstruction and renovations.
With the help of Knysna Municipality, they first provided the family with a new water tank and new ablution facilities. "The family had been going to the toilet outside, in the bush, and other than not being safe, it is not healthy," Marbi said.
The next step was to renovate the house. They purchased new corrugated metal (through donations), and then reinforced the structure before rebuilding.
"The parts we rebuilt and renovated were the attachments to the actual house, as we didn't want to tamper with the original house," Marbi said.
Back, from left, are Pine Stars senior team manager John Williams, residents Donic, Mara (holding Caleb) and Daniel Grootboom, and Pine Stars secretary Alberto Marbi and player Emilio Oktober. Front: Shakira, Shylin, and Claire Grootboom.
The renovations took eight days of hard work by the club's players and staff, but it was worth every minute. "I'm just glad that we were able to lend a hand to the family, and do our bit where we can in making their lives a bit better," said the club's team manager, John Williams.
Resident of the house, Mara Grootboom, expressed great thanks to the club. "We are extremely grateful for the help they have given us, we really do appreciate everything," she said.
The Grootboom family's newly renovated house. Photos: Blake Linder
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