Daveyton Jaguars get butterflies
A Facebook post on a community page led to a generous donation of kit for a rugby team in need.
Nation building through sport and the spirit of social cohesion that comes with it has reared its head in Benoni again.
When Benonian Jeandré Terblanche made a heartfelt appeal for a kit sponsorship for his beloved Daveyton Jaguars Rugby Club on the budding Benoni Community Group Facebook page, a non-profit organisation burst through the cocoon to help the club spread their wings.
The Butterfly Foundation, a NPO founded on Christian beliefs and ideals, sponsored the club who play in the Valke Rugby Union’s Kestrel League after member and fellow Benonian Shaun Oosthuyzen stumbled upon Terblanche’s Facebook appeal.
A special handover took place at Grassrootz on Webb Street, Northmead, recently where the players and coaching staff of the Jaguars were presented with their new rugby kit.
Stian Veldman, chairman of the Butterfly Foundation, said that the foundation was formed by a group of friends who expressed the need to make contributions and give back to the community.
“Through these acts, they became passionate servant leaders following God’s voice to do meaningful projects in diverse communities,” he said.
“The Butterfly Foundation focuses on creating channels and opening networks through its members and partners, utilising their contributions, whether it’s their time, skills or money to do meaningful and sustainable projects.”
Veldman, a former Hoërskool Hans Moore learner now living in Pretoria, called the handover “The Daveyton Jaguars Celebration”.
“If you tell any rugby player I’m going to put a butterfly on your heart they’ll probably tell you it’s a soft animal, but there is a bigger meaning.
“It is something small that transforms into something beautiful.
“Most of our projects make an impact on the people that give as much of those who receive.
“You have invested back in the people who have invested in you,” Veldman told the players in attendance.
Oosthuyzen said: “I just scrolled down my Facebook page, minding my own business, not expecting much.
“I came upon a post by Jeandré which made an impact in my heart.
“I knew immediately that this is something with which I want to get involved in.
“I pitched the idea to the Butterfly Foundation and everyone was very excited about the project.
“Jeandré is the definition of a servant leader.
“He is helping to build the next generation through his actions.”
Arno Killian, director of the Valke Rugby Academy and u-20 Valke Currie Cup coach, was a guest speaker on the night.
Killian encouraged the players to show discipline, respect, commitment and love for each other both on and off the field.
Mlungiseleli Mdashe, player/coach of the Jaguars, thanked the foundation for their support.
He praised Terblanche for his efforts in helping to grow the club into a truly multi-racial one.
Visit thebutterflyfoundation.co.za for more information about the foundation.
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