"A big thank-you to the Knysna community, the Rotary Anns and Rotarians who so willingly give of themselves, time, money and energy to help us assist people in need," said former Rotary Ann president, Dori Waterston, as she reflected on her term. Waterston handed the Knysna Rotary Anns presidential reins to Linda Smerdon on July 1.
Main fundraising
The main fundraising events for the year July 2011 to June 2012 included The Hospice Ballet on August 26 and 27, which raised R5 600 through the Anns providing refreshments during three packed performance.
During the Feet for Food Charity Walk of March 24, convened by Sue Mills, R7 000 was raised. "We had 217 entries and 160 enthusiastic walkers starting at Crabs Creek on the cold day, with rain pelting down just after all the walkers had arrived safely at the Loerie Park finish line, many with their four-legged friends," said Waterston.
Funds were also received from the Knysna Rotarians for helping with late registration, data capturing and supplying eats at the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour. A raffle basket for the Rotary Golf Weekend, put together by the Rotary Anns, also provided much-needed funds.
Smaller fundraising activities/ functions, such as jumble sales, special picnics and games days for the Rotarians and Anns, are organised by the president her board and the Anns.
Beneficiaries of Rotary Anns
Several institutions and organisations benefit from the many fundraising events in which the Anns give of themselves tirelessly.
The Feet for Food Charity Walk saw that Fruit & Veg City Knysna food vouchers and Pick n Pay gift card vouchers were donated to Badisa Family Care Services (food distribution and soup kitchens), Siphuncedo Support Group (soup kitchen in Dam-se-Bos cooking for about 65 people, five times per week), M&M Soup Kitchen run by Margaret Talmaggies in Hornlee, Sedge Mobile Meals in Sedgefield which feeds about 1 000 needy people a month.
Cash donations where given to the Red Cross in return for Red Cross volunteers' help with medical assistance during the Feet for Food Charity Walk.
"The Anns prefer to donate goods, rather than a monetary donation, but this is not always practical and/ or acceptable," said Waterston.
Rotary Anns Fund
Several instances benefited from the Rotary Anns Fund. These include Badisa - Loeriehof and Family Care Services - and FAMSA which received a donation, teddies and soft toys for the children to choose from. The Knysna Education Trust received cot mattress covers for the nursery schools. Hospice also received a donation. Hospice cares for about 250 patients per day, 100 patients with chronic illnesses, 50 to 60 cancer patients and 50 to 100 HIV-patients. Hospice pays approximately 2 000 patient visits per month.
Hospice also runs a Children's Support Group and Patients' Support Group and has 300 volunteer workers. Vermont Old Age Home received a donation and the Knysna Disaster Fund received a donation and material to sew up Kangaroo Mother Care Thari wraps for mothers with premature babies.
The wraps were given to the Knysna Provincial Hospital. Red Cross Society also received a donation and the provincial clinics at Hornlee, Kayalethu, Witlokasie, Knysna town, Keurhoek as well as Knysna Provincial Hospital's maternity ward received soap donations to the mothers with babies and toddlers during Global Handwash Day (October 15). The Buffelsnek Library Project received Afrikaans books for ages seven to adult.
Former Rotary Anns president, Dori Waterston (right) reflected on the work of the Anns during the the year of her presidency. She recently handed over the reigns to present Rotary Anns president, Linda Smerdon (left).
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
