Whether young or old, everyone enjoys receiving gifts, but for the men and women who volunteer their time, the act of giving is the true gift.
For over 10 years, reservists of the Honeydew Police Station have been going above and beyond the call of duty. Their annual tour of hospitals, retirement villages and children’s homes brought much-needed joy to vulnerable community members on Saturday, 12 December. The event has been renamed ‘The Montgomery SAPS Annual Toy Run’ in honour of the late Jonathan Montgomery, who founded the event with colleagues from the Child Protection Unit.
Honeydew Community Policing Forum (CPF), Honeydew Police, several reservists and community volunteers jumped into their vehicles just after 8am armed with toys, biscuits and an assortment of other gifts. The day saw the convoy stop at Golden Harvest Retirement Home, Ann Harding Cheshire Homes, Life Wilgeheuwel children’s ward, and St Lawrence Children’s Home, among others.
Jessica Koopman is the daughter of the late Jonathan and she lent her time to the cause, carrying on her father’s commitment to serving others. “This acknowledges the work my father used to do for the community. It shows the impact that he made and it is really great that this is still going,” said Jessica. Reservists, Captain Troy Laas and Captain Peter Heres are the chief drivers of the day, with their inspiration being drawn from their time in the Child Protection Unit.
Covid-19 meant close interactions were limited but every effort was made to combine safety with community spirit. Honeydew CPF Public Relations Officer, Michael Steyn, was all smiles as he said, “Thank you to everyone involved. To the sponsors, we would not be able to do it without you. Thanks to the police and the CPF members, but at the end of the day it is about the kids. It was a great day out and if we made a small difference, then it pays off.”
