The Roodepoort Sports Club is putting the funds donated to them by Jacaranda FM to good use. The funds were presented to the club earlier this year during the Good Morning Angels show, which they were invited to attend. The funds are from Jacaranda FM’s Carols by Candlelight, an annual event where the Jacaranda FM community comes together in Pretoria and Johannesburg to get into the festive spirit.
The Roodepoort Sports Club houses various sports teams, while a daycare centre at the facility looks after over 80 children. The local soccer club and mini-cricket as well as senior cricket teams use the grounds to train and host tournaments for young sports enthusiasts, while a soup kitchen on Wednesdays provides meals for needy, especially elderly, residents.
“Going there [to Jacaranda FM’s premises], we had no idea they would donate the money to us. It’s a one in a million chance and it happened to us. It was so heartwarming to know that friends and family and those who see our work called and mailed the station to campaign on our behalf,” said Stella Goosen, co-owner of the club.
“Unfortunately, the previous owner took all of the equipment we were using and left us practically destitute. He took the stove we used to cook on, the grass cutter, pitch roller, pitch covers, pitch marker, boundary ropes, tables and chairs. This meant we could not cook for our customers and the children in the crèche.”
With the money donated, the club slowly replaced some of the items which were taken away in order to sustain themselves and keep their doors open. However, because of the price of some of the items such as a pitch roller, they’ve had to make do with assistance from the neighbouring schools in Helderkruin and Florida.
“However, disaster struck us, as we were burgled four times in the space of a few weeks. This meant we had to start up again, by buying a two-plate stove and other items to keep going. It’s tough because you’re worried about when it will be stolen again, but we have been lucky with support. Parents have supported us all the way, pitching in where they can, and have really helped us,” said Stella.
The club will be hosting fundraisers to get back on its feet and continue to serve the community.
“We will do so with smiles on our faces. We will not let these minor setbacks get in our way. Yes, it’s still tough to practice and host matches as we can’t always cut the grass on our fields. The cricket and soccer teams have had it tough, but are handling the situation very well,” she said.
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