A desire to help others and a passion for humanity is the motivation behind the founding of Reach Out To Others (Roto), inspired by the legacy of Lionel David Julie of Somerset West, who is remembered as a lover of people and a giver.
“We launched in 2015 in honour of my father’s memory”, his daughter Michelle Turner pointed out. “After his death we realised the massive impact he had on the community. Without our knowing he was lending money to people, buying chicken weekly and distributing food, and the widows in the road he lived in were looked after. He was legendary when it came to making a difference.”
Turner, her husband Mark and children Matthew, Mark Jr and Mikhaila are the driving force behind Roto.
From humble beginnings, getting involved in a recycling project to raise money, the organisation grew to attract volunteers and expand its offerings to soup kitchens, wellness and mental-health outreaches, raising funds for cancer procedures and the overall well-being of the communities of the Helderberg.
“We launched Roto with a recycling project and raised R1 238, which we used to register the organisation,” Turner recalled. “We then launched feeding programmes at schools, women empowerment talks in Macassar, supported Cansa as well as Hospice, and raised R27 000 to pay for procedures for patients on waiting lists.”
Roto’s expansion and area of influence gradually grew, she added. “We eventually committed to running soup kitchens at three schools in Macassar – Oklahoma, False Bay and Macassar primary schools – where we also contribute towards staff wellness programmes, among other initiatives,” said Turner.
Desmond Engelbrecht, principal of False Bay Primary, said the impact of Roto on the school has been nothing short of amazing.
“Roto has contributed so much towards the well-being of the learners and we are immensely grateful for this godsend,” he said.
“Not only are the children at our school taken care of, but the teachers are also given attention and are invited to treat sessions such as foot massages and motivational talks, which are vital to their mental and physical wellbeing.
“We want what is best for the community and Roto has benefited us and continues to benefit us is so many ways, and with support Roto will be able to do so much more for others too.”
Aside from an August filled with various Women’s Month outreaches and events, Turner added that Roto has also started to focus on a caregiver programme that enrols and trains individuals to become registered caregivers.
“This is a big need in our communities and we work hand-in-hand with Oasis Training Centre to teach these skills to our volunteers, who can afterwards seek employment,” Turner explained.
“We currently have 60 individuals enrolled in this programme. At the same time we plan on expanding our schools’ programme to reach more children and make a bigger impact in the community.
“We welcome requests and will do our best to respond positively whatever the need. We also welcome contributions and donors to get in touch, or even businesses who want to partner with us.”
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Get involved with Roto by contacting Turner on 079 482 4321.
