In service for the greater good
Samaritans share their stories
They say that you derive an incredible amount of pleasure from giving to others. Voluntary community work is a calling for some, and for others something they make part of a busy schedule. A few Georgians shared how they serve the community:
Animal welfare
Taryn Groenewald and Coriza Vermeulen are volunteers who help to get cats in impoverished areas sterilised. "We visit the townships and find cats that are in need of sterilisation. A few of the local veterinary clinics give us welfare rates for which we have to raise funds," said Groenewald. "We also find homes for kittens." For more information, contact Furever Cats on 082 374 7051.
Drug awareness
Freddy Trout of Pasa (People against Substance Abuse) is involved full time with substance abuse prevention and awareness programmes, as well as lifeskills programmes in schools. He also consults parents or families with loved ones who are addicted to or abuse drugs. "I also refer people to effective and affordable
rehabilitation centres as and when needed, and when the person completes the rehab programme, we also provide aftercare and long-term support to the person and the family involved," said Trout.
He started this work back in 2006 as a former drug addict and gang leader. "I believe that I am living out my purpose daily. I have been clean from drugs for 14 years this year, but I also believe there is a difference between 'clean' and 'free' from drugs, and that is why aftercare after a rehab programme is vitally important."
Trout recently launched a new organisation called Community Wellness Project that will be focusing on HIV, TB and sexual and reproductive health rights programmes in schools. The idea is to implement these programmes also in businesses and communities in the form of community dialogues and wellness days.
Soup kitchens
Vareasa Hendriks opened Vlinders Kleuterskool in Rosemoor in 2019 to provide a safe place for children. "Lack of education, poverty, unemployment, drug abuse and alcohol abuse are familiar things in our community," said Hendriks. "My vision is to create a safe, clean, loving environment for the children and to educate children so that they can become and achieve what they want in the world, considering each child's individual needs." Hendriks provides three healthy meals every day. She also operates a soup kitchen from the crèche to feed about 80 people in the community, and distributes soya and
rice parcels.
Henry Robinson and his wife moved to George two years ago, settling in a house in Rosedale, Pacaltsdorp. "On arrival we observed there was a need among the children. Most of the parents were unemployed," said Robinson. "We decided to start a soup kitchen to make soup for the children twice a month. We are both retired and have received our old age grant. We catered for about 50 children but ended up with 100. With the help of our friends and family that give us donations, we give these children a Christmas lunch and Easter eggs each year."