Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn welcomes two new presidents
Members of the club were dressed in bright colours for the occasion as they prepared to welcome their new Rotary and Rotary Anns presidents.
The Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn hosted the induction of its 50th president in the Manger Care Centre’s church hall in Brentwood Park on September 4.
The club chose to support the Manger Care Centre as their way of giving back to the community.
Members of the club were dressed in bright colours for the occasion as they prepared to welcome their new Rotary and Rotary Anns presidents.
Past president Charmaine Cole-Niven highlighted what the club had done throughout the 2020/2021 year on behalf of Major Margaret Stafford, who recently relocated.
Cole-Niven said despite all the ups and downs, they have been awarded a Platinum Citation, achieving 24/25 of their goals, which is testament to the effectiveness of their club.
“In my opinion, it’s all the fun and fellowship that we share, no matter what we’re up to, that makes us special,” she said.
“With the advent of the lockdown, it turned our standard proceedings and processes upside-down. Under Margaret’s leadership, our club achieved over and beyond any expectations.
“She and Jeff are sorely missed and hope that all those that come into contact with them in Kuwait realise how privileged they are. Thank you Francois Joubert for standing in for Margaret in her absence.”
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Cole-Niven highlighted some of the club’s achievements, which included:
• The Covid-19 feeding scheme: the feeding scheme continued and increased the number of families who received food parcels from 17 to 32 per week.
“A special thank you to Robin and Judy Bath, Yvonne Holmes, Salvation Army, The Vegetarium and Snippets Hampers,” she said.
• Bunny Park market: the fund-raiser is growing and donations of books and bric-a-brac are appreciated.
• Donation of wheelchairs to the residents of Pauline Davis.
• Boksburg Lake Mystery Car Rally: six cars participated and four received prices.
“Our members need to be applauded; everyone brought something to the table and always eager to help. Your joy and enthusiasm in helping or supporting the community is contagious. I am proud to say I am part of this club,” said Cole-Niven.
She handed over the badge to the newly elected president of the Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn, Francois Joubert.
Joubert said this being the jubilee years of the club, he would like to make it a memorable and extraordinary year not only for the club but for the community also.
“What I would like to achieve this year is to build onto the work that has already been established such as continuing to supporting the Thembi Crèche, to assist the community of Tsakani and to help the Kamohelo Community Development Centre in Daveyton with a veggie garden,” he said.
“I also want to increase the clubs fellowship. Looking at the slogan for 2021/2022 year “Each one brings one”, with this we can certainly increase our membership to 25. This means each and every one of us has to wear Rotary proudly.”
Joubert also highlighted the amazing work done by the Rotary Anns by supporting local old age homes and local crèches.
Former Rotary Anns president Gill Davey highlighted some of the club’s achievements and regardless of the challenges they had a fantastic year.
“It was a challenging year for all of us. However, I congratulate the Anns for all their achievements during this pandemic. We will look back and see what can be done. Where there is a will there is a way.
“Fund-raising was difficult, but we managed to get donations from friends and family. We have touched so many lives in some small ways. We have donated masks, beanies, scarfs and so on and a lot of goodies for our winter projects. The elderly were treated to these knitted items.”
She also thanked the members and everyone that assisted them during the year.
Ann Smith was inducted as the new president of the Rotary Anns.
She said two months have gone by and it has been busy. The club has already made donations to a few organisations, such as baby clothes, toiletries and food to the iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre in Springs.
“Looking forward to the months ahead, restrictions can change quickly and disrupt plans. Keeping ears and eyes open for new ideas is the way to move forward.
“We plan to follow the Rotary motto for the year, which is “serve to change lives”.
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