Walking into Klein Helderkruin Retirement Village at 9am on Saturday, 8 February was a very easy task. The smell of bacon and eggs wafted through the air on that rainy morning; so despite the wet weather, no one had a problem entering the old age home’s dining hall.
The Champaign Breakfast at Klein Helderkruin is a Valentine’s tradition for the Wilro Lions. Every year, they provide a full English breakfast for over 100 residents at the old age home, and every year the reaction they get is even better.
Stepping through the doors, the beautiful decorations were the first things to catch everyone’s eyes. Pink, red and white balloons were placed neatly around the room and in the centre of each stunningly decorated table.
Residents of Klein Helderkruin all came dressed in Valentine’s Day colours, sticking to the pink and red theme. They sat anxiously around their tables, stomachs growling for the breakfast feast being prepared by members of the Lions Club of Wilro Park.
The kitchen was packed with Lions that were working speedily, yet carefully, to deliver the tastiest English breakfast they could. While the elderly residents waited for their food, they enjoyed engaging conversations and lived on the wild side with some morning Mimosas.
A few cheeky residents even left the Lions wondering why there was so much more orange juice left over than sparkling wine.
Just after 9am, the Lions started serving the food; a scrumptious English Breakfast made up of scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, mushrooms, baked beans, and grilled tomatoes. One look at the food and everyone’s mouths were watering.
Each resident was also given a small gift bag from the Lions, which included various travel-size toiletries. These gift bags were put together weeks in advance, with all the Wilro Lions playing a part.
After breakfast, the tables were moved to the side of the hall to make room for the morning’s special guests; SA Championship ballroom dancers. The dancers entertained the residents and their families, ending off a beautiful morning in an even more beautiful way.