31 Club toasts to 60 years
The 60th birthday celebration was also a bittersweet occasion as the club also closed its doors.
Members of 31 Club, both past and present, gathered at Augusta Country Estate recently to celebrate the club’s 60th birthday.
The event was also bittersweet as the club also closed its doors.
The 31 Club, run by volunteers, has been raising funds and supporting various charity organisations in KwaZulu-Natal for the past six decades.
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According to the club’s head of charities, Jo Behr, 31 Club has formed long-standing, close relationships with many different organisations that are visited on a regular basis.
“We have supported a diverse range of needs in the community, including children’s homes, schools, old age homes, palliative care and mentally or physically challenged institutions, as well as tertiary education, skills development and, never forgetting, the animal shelters,” said Behr.
During the special event, current chairlady, Sue Thomas shared special memories received from many past members of 31 Club who were unable to attend the event.
ALSO READ: GALLERY: 31 Club aims to leave a lasting legacy
The formalities were concluded with an emotional address by Norma Rattray, the founding member and first chairlady who was elected in 1962.
“Looking back, the 31 Club changed all of our lives. We gained a lot of confidence and made life-long friends during our time as members. It is a great compliment to the 31 Club that you are all here today for this celebration,” said Rattray.
Behr added that, as members, they were proud of the legacy they have
left behind.
“We truly believe that we have lived by our motto of ‘Making a Difference’ for six decades, dedicating our time to serving others,” she said.
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