“I AM the type of person who always reaches out to the people around me, because as their lives improve, so does my own life,” says Philander Karelse, a retired policeman, and now the owner of Molteno Cleaning Services.
Karelse has also received several awards over the years as a choir leader.
“Molteno Cleaning Services serves two purposes. One is to keep our town clean, and the community supports my services. The second is actually the most important, because I do community policing while driving through the streets and cleaning up. I have been able to prevent many crimes, and I form a relationship with the juvenile delinquents and try to accompany them to a better place in their own lives.”
“Karelse comes from an education-oriented family, and this is clear when you look at the way he approaches these street children,” says Reverend Nita de Wet, of the local Methodist congregation.
“I, myself, never followed the education route. I always wanted to be involved in my whole community, and that is why I initially joined the police,” remarked Karelse.
Karelse has made a huge difference in the lives of all soccer players in Sterkstroom, where there are four soccer teams. He made a generous donation to James Spalla, chairperson of the Sterkstroom Soccer Association.
Three soccer balls were handed to each of the Santos, Early Birds, KT and FC soccer teams.
The SSA approached him for a donation of balls and soccer jerseys.
“The boys are aimless during these long school holidays and the COVID-19 pandemic breaks their spirits, and we try to motivate them to stay busy every day,” Karelse said.
“I am already saving funds again, and I am excited to share that Cliffie & Son Auto Spares have decided to get involved as a sponsor, as well. We plan to buy in a further 12 balls for the Molteno soccer players. In Molteno we also have four teams. We plan to be able to hand over to the Molteno teams next month.”
Karelse sets an example to every resident in every community that it is not what you give that makes you happy, but what you receive when you give.
