After more than 57 years of service to those in need, Edenvale Rotary Club closed its doors as 2019 came to an end.
The decision to close the club is a result of a lack of membership.
Margie Evans, Rotarian of 25 years and secretary of the club, said Edenvale Rotary Club had six members, four of whom are committee members, when it closed.
She said several years ago the club faced a similar situation, but it was able to attract members to keep it going.
“For me, it is quite an emotional time. It’s devastating to dismantle the club. Many items have been donated to other charities and organisations.”
When Evans joined the club there were approximately 28 members involved in it.
“My daughter heard about the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme and by her participating in it I learnt more about the club.”
“After going to several meetings my eyes were on stalks after I learnt what Rotary does, so I decided to join.”
President of the club and Rotarian of four years, Eric Hackett, said he joined the club by accompanying his wife to meetings.
Related
- Edenvale Rotary Club lends a hand to care centre
- Edenvale Rotary Club needs your help
- Edenvale Rotary Club goes green
- Edenvale Rotary Club partners with local school
“What I enjoyed most about Rotary was that you can see the impact the club’s assistance makes in the lives of others.”
“It’s very hands-on. You meet the people whom you help and that’s important to me.”
Founded in June 1962 the club has always had a strong and deep connection to Edenvale.
The club assisted in the creation of the NEWS.
The first edition was published in March 1965 under the title of Edenvale News.
Shortly afterwards, Tommy Kirkland of Minphil Printers and Edenvale Rotarian took over publication and Bill Vincent became the first editor.
Over the years many prominent members of the Edenvale community were members of the club.
“I was told by former members of the club that we were involved in assisting the purchase of Little Eden Society’s first property.”
Over the years the main objective of the club was to raise funds to assist community service organisations.
“All of our fund-raising initiatives were always well supported by community members.”
In Edenvale, the club supported several community charities.
After hosting an auction two and a half years ago in Modderfontein, the club was able to assist Little Eden Society last year by covering the costs of the maintenance of its washing machines.
“Hopefully the machines should be good to go for another five to six years.”
Other ways the club assisted the society over the years was by buying clothes, nappies and medicinal cream for its residents.
Another charity which benefited from the funds raised by rotary was the Edenvale Care Centre Hospice.
Evans said the club assisted by providing the oxygen units, bedside tables, curtains and curtain rails around the patient’s beds.
“If the Hospice ever needed anything, they could always just phone us and we would assist where possible.”
Evans said the Edenvale club has asked the Rotary Club of Johannesburg East to assist the Hospice.
One of the larger organisations the club assisted was the Manche Masemola Anglican Church in Lombardy East.
Evans said some of the ways the club assisted the church included constructing an early childhood learning centre, providing and maintaining a jungle gym and the implementation of a weekly inspirational youth evening.
“We would like to thank all those who have been so supportive of the Edenvale Rotary Club and have steadfastly attended our fund-raisers and assisted us in many ways,” said Evans.
“Without the support of the community, we would not have been able to achieve everything that we have.”
Evans believes that if the community does not step up to assist Edenvale charities there will be a fund-raising gap.
Although the club has closed, Evans said there are still funds in its account which will be used to assist charities.
Margie highlighted that some of the donations the club will make include:
1. A donation of R10 000 to Edenvale SPCA to contribute to new fences.
2. A donation of R6 500 worth of food will be given to Child Welfare SA – Edenvale and Bedfordview.
3. A donation of R8 000 worth of toiletry products to Little Eden Society.
Evans explained that although the club has closed there are alternatives such as The Rotary Club of Knights Pendragon and Rotary Club of Johannesburg East.
Alternatively, a community member can join a Rotary E-Club, which is what Hackett did.
He said those interested need to have been a member of a recognised Rotary Club.
Hackett explained that the E-club assists by fund-raising on an international level and putting northern hemisphere clubs in touch with those in the southern hemisphere.
Also follow us on:
