A call to service to help others need not be an overly serious task. Ask any member of the Round Table Golden East 181.
For the past 50 years, the local branch has welcomed members willing to dig deep to host creative fundraising events or facilitate community outreach projects.
Described as a professional young man’s organisation for men aged 18 and 40, Wesley Kloppers, the vice-chairman, says it is a place where members not only identify needs in their community but also the deep-seated characteristics within themselves that could further benefit the organisation.
Since the inception of the Round Table movement in 1929, Golden East 181 is one of only three branches still active on the East Rand.
Kloppers enlisted as a ‘Tabler’ in 2019, heeding the call to make an impactful change.
“If you feel you need to change the lives of the less fortunate, this is the organisation for you,” said Kloppers.
“We are not just making a tangible difference in the lives of others. As members, we are also undergoing personal growth through the workings of our branch. There are so many networking opportunities that further extend throughout our activities.”
With many annual events already filling up their calendar, active members are embarking on a membership drive and encouraging men to join the organisation.
“Despite being an organisation exclusively for men, we are family orientated, with many partners and wives regularly becoming involved in our projects,” said Kloppers.
“We also have a Ladies Circle that falls under the Round Table umbrella, which our significant others can join.
Some of the activities the organisation is working on include:
• Easter egg drive
Easter Eggs are distributed to the children’s homes around the city.
• Kids holiday
A group of 14 underprivileged boys, aged between 12 and 14 and from local schools, are treated to a week-long holiday, including excursions and activities they usually would not experience.
• The national Winter Knights project
Blankets and warm clothes are given to those in need.
“Golden East 181 is proud of the Round Table legacy and the difference it has made in the lives of countless individuals and our local community,” said Rob Crosbie (Pro).
The organisation meets monthly in Lakefield.
For more information or to join the Round Table, call Jonathan Tanner (chairman) on 072 132 2585 or Kloppers on 072 032 0493.
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