Rotary offers Covid-19 relief, spreads Xmas cheer

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The year 2020 has been an exceptional year in so many ways. It had its fair share of challenges and the darkness of death, loss and sadness seemed to threaten the light of hope.

The Rotary Club of Mossel Bay, in collaboration with the local ATKV branch, tried to bring light and hope throughout the lockdown period.

The organisations became part of a network of soup kitchens, which brought relief to poverty-stricken communities as the pandemic caused nutrition programmes to follow different schedules at schools causing many children to miss out on meals.

From time to time, as and when sufficient resources were available, food parcels were also distributed to families where jobs have been lost or where Covid-19 claimed the lives of breadwinners. The organisation also reached out where Covid-19 made already challenging circumstances even more unbearable.

Then, in December 2020, a very welcome and generous donation form The Laura Falkson Foundation found its way to the Rotary leadership and Christmas cheer could be brought to about 42 families, blessing them with a box of groceries.

This and some other goods like stationery packs, flip-flops and snack packs were distributed to other charities. The Langsous ATKV branch, JAC Community Development, Family and Child Welfare and Wayne Jordaan all assisted to ensure that the goods reached the poor and destitute. "We wish to thank the Laura Falkson Foundation for bringing much-needed relief to the most destitute, marginalised and poor," says Claire du Plessis of the Langsous ATKV branch.

Another worthy effort was initiated by Connie Petersen who, in conjunction with the coordinating educators at the respective schools, helped to facilitate the Christmas Shoe Box projects, activities and efforts of Rotary Interact Clubs at three local high schools, the Sao Bras, Hillcrest and Great Brak River high schools. Gift boxes were distributed as far afield as Herbertsdale, Great Brak River and Buisplaas. Local crèches also benefited from this initiative. "Thanks to Ms Fillies, Ms Claassen and Ms de Vos who steered the projects at their respective schools," said Du Plessis.

Petersen also managed putting together Christmas gift bags to 25 elderly persons of All Saints Anglican Parish. This is the second year that she and Claire du Plessis reach out to the elderly of different parishes in Mossel Bay.

Connie Petersen (left) made a big effort to spread Christmas cheer among the elderly.