May 2023 Newsletter: The Stanford Shout-Out

We have a short quieter period during March and April which means we can do some fun things such as plan our last raffle prizes for the season, visit a centre for the elderly in Gansbaai and even plant some trees!

 

 

Sunset Market Raffle - Thank You!

We are always very grateful to everyone who comes along and supports our regular fund-raising raffle at the Sunset Market. We won’t be at the May market but would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support, be it by way of buying tickets or providing something to add to our hampers to make them more interesting. And well done to all our winners!

Silwerjare Centre for the Elderly

There is a centre for the elderly in Gansbaai called 'Silwer Jare' which has 14 live-in residents. A number of Stanfordians have, over the years, spent their autumn years at Silwer Jare. Around Easter each year, Stanford Rotary make up gift and treat packs for the residents, who generally don’t receive much in the way of treats - some don’t even get visits from their families.

We were very blessed this year with donations of Easter eggs, home-baked cookies, rusks and fabric with which to make up toiletry bags. We added some basic toiletries, sweets and chocolates, then also added a beanie and pair of gloves to each pack.

The 6 Carers also received a treat pack to acknowledge all their hard work and dedication to these elderly folk. They are always in need of clothing and linen so if you’re having a clear-out please consider passing things on to them (via us).

Benches and Trees for the Park

We love it when a plan comes together! Towards the end of last year, we had an idea to put up 2 small benches at the park in Queen Victoria Street. In no time at all Rotarians Ansie and Malcolm had donated planks and poles. Lance Palmer and Neil MacKenzie refurbished the planks, planted the poles and erected the benches. Now all we needed were some trees to provide shade in the future.

No problem at all once the word got out. Glenn Leisching and Raine Waring from the Earth School donated two small Yellowwoods. These were planted early in April with lots of advice from those in the know about trees and the planting thereof. The ceremony was complete with bubbly and cheers!

Glenn and Neil were very ably assisted by Kutlwano Xawuka and Yeyam Valashiya, two young lads from Stanford South. They are being mentored by Glenn on having respect for the Earth and had a wonderful time digging the holes and eventually pouring water into the little troughs around each tree. Rotarian Chrissie and Neil (Wandelpad) have undertaken to water the trees on a regular basis.

We would like to thank all those involved in this project and look forward to sitting under those trees one day.