{"id":75588,"date":"2024-11-27T04:00:19","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T02:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/creating-community-for-the-gift-season-20241126-2-2\/"},"modified":"2025-03-20T10:19:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T08:19:13","slug":"creating-community-for-the-gift-season-20241126-2-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/creating-community-for-the-gift-season-20241126-2-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating community for the \u2018gift season\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Forget rocking chairs and bingo nights, an organisation launched in the Helderberg isn\u2019t your average retirement club!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group is all about helping people rediscover their purpose and navigate the exciting \u201cgift season\u201d of life between age 50 and 75.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lynda Smith, co-founder of 50plus Skills, knows this transition first-hand. Facing an empty nest and a career change at 50, she realised the baby-boomer generation wasn\u2019t built to retire the way their parents were. Inspired, she set out to create a space where experienced individuals could \u201clearn, serve and earn together\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recent launch event marks a new chapter for people over 50 in the Helderberg. With a focus on local communities, the organisation offers them paid memberships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a small annual fee, members gain access to regular meet-ups, online resources and networking opportunities. \u201cIt\u2019s a place to belong, stay relevant, learn new skills and create purpose,\u201d said Smith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

50plus Skills isn\u2019t just about social gatherings. It sees the \u201cgift season\u201d as a prime time to contribute and share wisdom, bridging the gap that exists among experienced individuals, businesses and NPOs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its \u201cNext Chapter\u201d programme helps companies equip older employees for the changing workplace. It also offers peer-to-peer learning opportunities and an online learning academy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Helderberg launch is just the beginning. Smith, a seasoned community organiser, plans to roll-out the project to 10 new communities next year. 50plus Skills\u2019 national identity remains strong, with each community catering for its own unique needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanding across South Africa comes with hurdles, but 50plus Skills has a secret weapon \u2013 its members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMany of our national members have been with us from day 1,\u201d Smith said, adding that these members have passion, experience and are eager to share their knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The future looks bright for 50plus Skills. It aims to become a national force and even expand to other African countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its vision? A South Africa where seasoned individuals can serve as mentors, coaches and active members of society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smith emphasised: \u201cIt\u2019s not about retirement, it\u2019s about working together. Always stronger together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

50plus Skills has a message for business leaders and society as a whole: embrace the changing demographics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipping older employees isn\u2019t just good for them; it\u2019s a gift to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n