Rynpark Retirement Village residents and other supporters excitedly rolled the dice, attempting to become the first players to draw a complete image of a beetle during the Benoni Van Ryn Rotary Anns games afternoon on March 23.
The Beetle Drive was one of the games played in the Blue Forest Guide Hall, in Rynfield, as the participants helped the Anns raise funds to buy jerseys for the learners of Laerskool Goudrand in Boksburg.
Each dice roll determined which part of the beetle’s body could be drawn.
“Goudrand learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The school feeds about 90 children daily and most of the learners don’t eat at all if they don’t get food from the school,” said Anns president Cheryl Jennings.
She explained they learnt about the school’s need through Rotary when the organisation awarded a woman who runs the school’s feeding scheme programme.
“She came to Rotary to give a talk about the feeding scheme. We thought she needed help because if the children need food, the chances are high that their parents cannot afford jerseys and other school necessities.
“We thought it would be nice if we bought them jerseys. We also got a lot of knitters in our club, so we hope to get hats and beanies to them too because they also need these,” Jennings said.
She highlighted the importance of giving to the needy, saying the country’s socioeconomic situation affected many families.
“We have been fortunate in not having to struggle and wonder where the next meal is coming from or pay for our children’s school fees.
“There are so many people, particularly after Covid-19, who lost their jobs. The world changed and people are still jobless.
The president emphasised the importance of philanthropy, saying it carries the potential to break cycles of poverty and create positive ripple effects that can shape the future of our country.
“I’m a retired teacher. I remember sitting with a little boy after everyone had gone home. I asked why he was not going home. He said he had nothing to eat at home.
“It made me aware of the need in our country. It brings me joy to go out in our communities to help the needy,” she said.
Jennings said the club will be involved in a winter soup packs drive where they will distribute to schools with feeding schemes.
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