Egoli City toast to 2019 by giving back
Toastmasters gather round to toast to the new year in fine style.
To usher in the new year, Egoli Golden City Toastmasters Club held a fiery campfire gathering at St Giles Home for the Physically Disabled in De Wetshof on January 8.
The event was held as a fund-raising initiative, with all proceeds generated going to the home.
Matron Joyce Howard, who’s been employed at the home for over 14 years, told the EXPRESS in a recent interview that the dire financial situation was the result of dwindling corporate donations.
Howard appealed for regular donations if the home is to keep its doors open to its 17 residents.
Speaking on this, long-standing Golden City member and current president Richard Francis said the financial situation at St Giles ought to be taken seriously.
“St Giles is close to shutting down every month because they don’t have any money,” said Francis.
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“We as the Toastmasters Club get involved in raising funds for them, and although not huge amounts, every cent counts.”
Adding to this, Francis said the campfire gathering coincided with his birthday.
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“I thought to myself that it’s high time that I give back to the community on my birthday, and not for everything to be about me. I spoke to my club members and it was decided that instead of celebrating my birthday, we hold this campfire meeting and instead of giving me something, that the money be spent on giving something to the home.”
Employees at St Giles Drienie Bosman said the home is grateful for the donations arising from the Toastmasters’ campfire gathering.
“The home is struggling financially and we’re so grateful for Toastmasters to come and help us raise funds. Our continued appeal is for donations as always.”
