Local caravan park receives a playground

On February 6, Round Table Boksburg 17, in conjunction with the Round Table Gauteng Area, organised for the Sonop Caravan Park in Farrarmere to receive a playground.

The jungle gym was sponsored by community members and businesses, such as GC Engineering, SLP Mining, New Turf Carriers – Mike Sham, Propshaft Engineers – Johan Botha and We Move Cars – Alex Staniland, as they made cash donations towards the purchasing of the playground.

“The local table, Golden East 181, has supported the park in other means in the past and noticed the children did not have a play area,” explained Jean-Claude Duarte, Round Table Boksburg 17 chairperson and project convenor.

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“When the project launched, they submitted Sonop for consideration and were then chosen as one of the lucky three recipients.”

The playgrounds were donated by the Round Table to designated places in Reiger Park, Benoni and Sandton and each playground cost R10 000.

This money was raised after a plea was sent out by the Round Table to community members and businesses within the designated areas.

“We used our networks to raise the funds,” said Duarte.

“There are around 80 children here at the Sonop Caravan Park. We are ecstatic about having the opportunity to present these children with the gift of playing.
“Projects like this bring with them an overwhelming sense of joy.”

Only the residents of the caravan park will have access to this playground.

“We want these playgrounds to be a safe place for children,” said Duarte.

“The playgrounds we are building through this project is for charities, safe houses, crèches and small communities like this one.”

The pandemic did put some pressure on the planning and implementing.

“Unfortunately, Covid-19 affected the fund-raising of the project and the initial launch.

“The initial idea was that the playgrounds were going to be completed before the end of August so we could host the unveiling on Spring Day.

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“However, we are extremely grateful that the vision has come to fruition today.

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors – GC Engineering, SLP Mining, Propshaft Engineers, We Move Cars for the playground, Collab for the signage and Gary and the team from Playground World.

“Playing is more than just the chance to run around outside for a quarter of an hour.

“Playing is just as important in the development of a child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical development as classroom learning and provides a safe space for children to be themselves without care and with pure happiness,” said Duarte.

Kevin Gilmartin, Round Table Boksburg 17 member and co-convenor, said:

“I enjoyed this project because it gave me a chance to put a smile on children’s faces, children who have had a harder time at life than most, children who deserve it more than most. It means a lot to me that we as an organisation can help children be children.

“I am extremely humbled by all the help we received to make this project a success.”

Gareth van Wyk, Round Table Golden East 181, said:

“The Sonop Caravan Park has become a haven for destitute families in Benoni. Roughly 300 people are living there, of which 80 are children of schoolgoing age. There are no facilities or dedicated play area for the children to play in. They have to walk some distance (more than 1km) to find a small open playground.

“Golden East 181 believes a playground for this community’s children will make a huge difference in the children’s lives. It will give them space to engage in age-appropriate activities, it will encourage physical activity and creative stimulation, and it will provide the children with a place to escape when they feel they are being exposed to harmful or potentially threatening situations in the crowded living environment.”

On the day, Golden East 181 gave 100 hot dogs to the community and left another 100 for the facilities manager to pass on to the elderly and other members who could not attend on the day.

“The weather held out and it was a great success to see the children having fun on the playground.

“Thank you again to all the parties who made this day possible,” said van Wyk.

If you would like to become a member of the Round Table, make donations or receive more information contact 082 637 6226 or 074 130 8316 or visit www.roundtablegauteng.org or www.goldeneast181.co.za