January 2023 Newsletter: The Stanford Shout-Out

With 2022 behind us and a whole new year to look forward to, we thought we’d send share with all our wonderful supporters and friends snippets of our projects and what we do for our greater Stanford community. We had a busy 2022 and 2023 will be no different. None of these projects would be possible without your help - be it financial or in kind - and we thank you most sincerely for that. Should you wish to be involved, or would like more information on any of our projects, please don’t hesitate to contact us. There are many different ways to assist.

Regular Annual Projects

SOUP KITCHENS

Our primary focus project which runs throughout the year providing on average between 900 and 1,000 servings per week to the elderly, the sick and children in need.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT / FAMILY IN FOCUS PROGRAM

Not only preparing children for Grade R and the start of their school career, but this home-based program also teaches parents how to prepare their children in their homes, using everyday items to do so.

SCHOOL STATIONERY

At the start of each year, our 5 local schools provide us with stationery lists and we do our best to fulfil their needs. Pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, crayons, flip-files, glue sticks, brown paper and plastic are just a few of the items requested each year.

WINTER WARMTH AND SCHOOL CLOTHES

Distribution of warm winter woolies is carried out in May/June each year providing beanies, scarves, mittens, jerseys, fleece tops and blankets to children and the elderly.

School clothes such as shoes, socks, trousers, jerseys and rain jackets are provided to children in need, who are identified by the teachers at each of the schools. Beanies are also provided when possible.

HAMPERS OF LOVE

Basic food parcels are provided to those who use the soup kitchens throughout the year and are in need of food assistance when the kitchens close for Christmas and New Year. We also provide Hampers to the elderly who are particularly vulnerable and needy.

In December 2022 we distributed 250 Hampers to those in genuine need.

OVERBERG TOY RUN

While this is not a Rotary project as such, Stanford Rotary are very proud to be the custodians of these toys and manage the distribution thereof to various towns in the Overberg.

OTHER SUPPORT IN 2022

• Butterfly Centre: Shelving for their new library.

• Silwer Jare Old Age Home: Pamper packs for the elderly.

• Sports: Netball and Soccer balls and funding for the Canoe Development youngsters.

• Schools: Spectator stands at the Okkie Smuts netball courts.

• Children’s Book Network: Books for their library.

• CPF: Jackets for the community in blue patrollers.

• Shack Fires: Food hampers, clothing and household items with the help of other organisations.

• Soup Kitchens: Upgrades such as painting and improved lighting.

• Sanitary Pad Bags: Fabric pouches for girls to carry personals in their school bags.

Fundraising

Of course, none of our projects would be possible without funding. We rely on donations from our community but try to make it fun at the same time.

SUNSET MARKET RAFFLE: A regular during the summer months where we have lovely hampers up for grabs. These hampers usually include a mix of items such as jam, coffee, cheese, crackers, a roast, pamper items, and so on. Oh! And wine! From local vineyards!

PENGUIN PLUNGE: This takes place in June on the Saturday nearest the winter solstice. Brave Penguins plunge into the icy Klein River, Cheering Chickens support from the bank, there is a selection of delicious hot soups, fresh bread, Gluhwein and hot chocolate. All it costs is a donation.

ART MORNING with Tracy Algar: A group of artists and budding artists spent a morning learning all about using charcoal to create stunning works of art. We are hoping to have more of these in 2023.

Consider Joining Rotary

Rotary welcomes new members - it’s a way of expanding our talent base as well as having extra willing hands. New members bring new ideas, and new perspectives and help us stay fresh. You WILL get something out of Rotary - but it won’t be what you expect - it will be better! Why not come along to a meeting and see what we’re all about?

All that remains is to thank you for your time and request that you send this on to friends, especially those who are new in Stanford. Please stay safe and take care.