Ruimsig’s Scubaversity shares warmth every winter by handing out blankets to those in need
Everyone had a chance to not only support a good cause but also show off their potjiekos skills.
Scubaversity had their annual blanket drive social in June and decided to combine it with a potjiekos competition.
“We have an annual blanket drive social at our club every June, this year we decided to combine it with a potjiekos competition. Our club was challenged to build a mountain of blankets,” explained Mandy Zietsman from Scubaversity.
Five teams entered the competition. Potjie Cowboys made a tasty chicken potjie with a beans side dish, Pirates of the Currybean served a special curry vegetarian pot, Nguni Tri-pot presented the judges with a beef pot with samp, mielie pot bread and a coconut relish, Beach Bums made a smoked eisbein potjie and finally Not Very Bright Divers (NVBD Attorneys) served a chicken pot with a lemon sorbet pallet cleanser.
“The rules were simple and we had three judges who had to crown a winner. What a surprise to find the vegetarian pot made by Pirates of the Currybean won!”
The blankets, clothing, and pillows that they collected filled the back of their double-cab and the Scubaversity staff drove from the top of Hendrik Potgieter Road to Clearwater Mall, and around the back of Cradlestone Mall handing out the blankets to anyone they could see sleeping on the street or in need of something warm.
“This tradition started about four years ago,” she explained, adding, “A couple of years ago I woke up in the morning where I was frozen cold. This was in a brick house, under a solid roof, with a down duvet over me, dressed in many layers of clothing. The wind was howling outside, and I could not even think about getting out of bed. I started to wonder about those who do not have the luxuries I just described like most of us have.
“That morning I summoned all my staff. We went to buy 100 blankets and then as we drove back handed it out to anyone we saw on the street. On that very freezing morning, the relief was real for them and I believe we made the tiniest bit of difference in those people’s lives. So we decided to start the annual blanket drive and ask our club members to help.”
She explained that they could bring any blanket, no matter the age or size.
“Even if you have you have an old scarf, mismatched socks, a forgotten glove – that will also help. Remember these items can last long, do not have to fit anyone specifically, cannot go off like food – but hey if you want to add a tin can or so – every little thing counts,” she concluded.
Their next blanket drive will be in June next year.
