Providing health and wellness for the homeless

KNYSNA NEWS - A number of caring Knysna locals last week banded together to make a very special difference in the lives of the homeless people who live around Loerie Park.

Spearheaded by Lance van Graan, the Wellness Day for the Homeless was held in the Loerie Park clubhouse on Friday 11 August.

The day was supported by many locals and businesses, with an extensive event programme that only had the best interests of those in need at heart.

A whole host of activities and aspects formed part of the day.

There were wellness checks carried out on the individuals who attended, including HIV and pregnancy tests. The morning started with opening and welcoming prayers with the assessments beginning shortly thereafter.

One of the biggest hits of the day was some fun football activities and drills that were carried out by Matt Kerswill and Rachel Wood of the Knysna Strikers Development Academy.

Hundreds of people poured through the gates at Loerie Park through the course of the morning, with the bulk coming through at lunch time to receive a very welcome lunch serving courtesy of Alan White and his team.

Members of the organising team who made the day possible.

Van Graan individually expressed thanks to all participants and benefactors for the day. "Thank you to May Labuschagne and the Lifeline Garden Route Wellness Team who did all the assessments and will take care of all the referrals and follow-ups. Leon Terblanche (SuperSpar) for your generosity in supplying all the hot and cold beverages and for ensuring that all the volunteers were looked after.

Peter and Shelley Godsell for supplying the highly nutritional e'Pap instant porridge. Knysna Vineyard for supplying the sound and music on the day."

Van Graan also thanked Knysna Municipality and the facilities management team at Loerie Park. He was proud of how the day had gone.

"The day started off slow, but by lunch time a good crowd had gathered... This was a fantastic coming together of foot soldiers, so here's to more boots on the ground next time around!"

A variety of health and wellness checks were carried out during the day.