Winter Knights brave cold for good cause
Putting ourselves in the shoes of people who are less fortunate
“Nothing burns like the cold” is the slogan of Round Table SA and Toyota’s innovative winter charity fundraising and collection campaign.
Port Alfred Round Table chairperson JP De Klerk was one of the ‘Knights’ out in the cold last Friday night.
A banner of knights (that really is the collective noun – we looked it up!) stood guard outside Pick n Pay at the Heritage Mall, and another at the beachfront parking lot in front of Guido’s.
The groups were somewhat depleted –“flu season!” said De Klerk – but their helping spirit was strong.
“Basically, we want to put ourselves in the shoes of people who are less fortunate, for one winter night,” he explained.
The Winter Knights national project includes a campaign to collect blankets, warm clothing and food for people who don’t have much to see them through the cold. “Standing out here raises awareness of what we’re doing behind the scenes, and we hope it encourages members of the public to contribute what they can,” said De Klerk.
Charities that the Port Alfred Round Tablers have assisted include Hospice, the Port Alfred Soup Kitchen, a crèche in Nemato and Bathurst’s House of Hope.
“We’re still busy collecting and members of the public can still contribute after tonight,” said De Klerk.
Tinned and dry food, warm clothes and, of course, blankets are welcome. If you’d like to contribute, get in touch with Port Alfred’s Knights by emailing 177table@gmail.com or via their Facebook page @RoundTable177.