Touching a community’s heart
Professional service providers offer their services for free for a day
It was a day that will be remembered by residents for a very long time. The kind-heartedness of a group of professional service providers, assisted by more than 80 jovial volunteers, deeply touched the hearts of the community on this autumn Saturday.
As the good news spread through Randburg, more than 500 residents from Windsor and neighbouring communities flocked to the Windsor East Recreation Centre on 23 April. The drawcard was the fourth annual Community Day where these professionals offered their expertise for free for a day.
“It was remarkable,” said an elated Mandla Sibanda. “Where in the world can you get expert dental, medical, labour law, financial and business services, all in one place in one day? And to top it all, it is free!”
Event organisers, Grant Walton and Teresa Kilian, said the service providers included a myriad of health professionals who came from Randburg, Roodepoort, and many other suburbs of Joburg. They were joined by experts in labour law, business, career and finance.
“The optometrists alone consulted with 121 patients. Those requiring reading spectacles will receive them free of charge in due course and those requiring cataract surgery were referred to a local specialist for pro bono treatment,” Walton explained.
Over 40 people also received help from the physiotherapists at the pain clinic and scores of children received full dental treatment and dental hygiene education. Many toothbrushes were also handed out.
The doctors consulted an estimated 100 patients while the audiologist saw a new patient every half hour. “Those requiring hearing aid devices will receive them free of charge in June,” said Walton.
Social workers/counsellors consulted with a small but steady stream of clients and the human trafficking awareness consultant reported that several key conversations took place and networking opportunities in the community were established.
Community members who attended the Community Day also received a free meal. “By 2pm we had to close the gates as the service providers were unable to cope with the demand,” said Walton. He added, “we are delighted at the success of this day and especially at the significant numbers of people who received assistance.
“Many expressed their gratitude for the opportunity while many of the service providers have been asking if we can arrange the event more often! It is wonderful to have so many like-minded churches and community organisations serving together in the Windsor community.
“We are looking forward to the next Community Day with anticipation that it will be even more effective than this one!”
