For Valentine’s Day, the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, in partnership with PE Express, will be honouring those who dedicate their lives to helping others, and spreading kindness and love within their communities. Two such inspiring individuals are Edward Vorster and Desiree Goodwin, who have been selected as the winners. On February 14, these two deserving winners and their partners will indulge in a luxurious experience at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino.
Desiree Goodwin: A champion for vulnerable mothers, children
Desiree Goodwin stands as a compassionate beacon in her community, dedicating herself to the welfare of vulnerable mothers and children.
Her close friend, Denise Reid-Daly, who has known Goodwin since 1979, nominated her for this wonderful prize.
In the nomination letter, Reid-Daly explained that Goodwin’s journey began in 2014 when she founded Giving Gifts for Newborns, an initiative that gained official status as a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) in 2015.
Reid-Daly nominated her for this recognition with heartfelt words: “Of all the people I know, Des is the one that deserves ‘time out’ at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino. What better way to give some love to a dedicated person who gives love daily to newborn babies, mothers, and small children.”
In the nomination letter, Reid-Daly stated that the core mission of Goodwin’s NPO is to safeguard vulnerable mothers of newborn babies by providing them with basic items and the support they need for their babies.
She explained that the organisation also provides assistance to children who have suffered from rape, abandonment, neglect, or abuse, by striving to ease their suffering.
“To promote and encourage safe sex, family planning, and to prevent contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, by creating awareness and sharing information and to assist persons that have been victims of gender-based violence, assault, rape, or any other abuse by referring them to places of safety and organisations that can help,” she further elaborated on the work the organisation does.
She added that Goodwin’s NPO supports the Thuthuzela Rape Crisis Centre at Dora Nginza Hospital and the Uitenhage Rape Crises by providing essential items such as toiletries, underwear, and clothing.
According to Reid-Daly, Desiree’s organisation is currently offering such services to clinics that support approximately 100 rape victims monthly.
Reid-Daly further highlighted that in 2022, Goodwin’s dedication led to recognition, where the DA National Assembly commended her relentless pursuit of justice in a rape case in which her efforts resulted in the expedited DNA analysis leading to the re-arrest of the alleged perpetrator.
Edward Vorster: Embracing fatherhood, overcoming challenges with unwavering love
Edward Vorster’s dedication and love in raising his stepdaughter’s infant child after her untimely passing made a significant impact on the judges.
Expressing her admiration, Ronel Vorster, his wife, wrote in the nomination letter, “At 65, he adopted my deceased daughter’s (his stepdaughter’s) 6-month-old baby and went back to work to help support her.”
She recounted their challenging journey, “The social worker and family court magistrate insisted our grandbaby had to be adopted as she was only a couple of weeks old when my daughter passed due to a massive brain haemorrhage. It took us six months of fighting in court to get the baby placed with us.”
“In the end, my husband said we must forget about fostering her and the foster grant and rather adopt her, and he will look for a job again to help provide for her,” Ronel shared.
Ronel highlighted the challenges Edward faces, stating, “At his age, it is not easy raising an active toddler. Apart from the aches and pains in his knees and back, he suffers from hypertension, is a diabetic, and has already survived four heart attacks over the years!”
“He is always there for me and her, assisting with bathtimes, feedings, walking outside when she rides her new bicycle, keeping her busy while I cook and clean, doing dishes, ironing clothes, vacuuming, and still assisting our three adult sons with car repairs, DIY projects at their homes, painting our home, cutting grass, fixing electrical problems, and the list goes on,” Ronel described.
Ronel highlighted their financial struggle but also their commitment to their granddaughter’s well-being, saying, “With my Sassa pension and his meagre salary, we haven’t had any way of spoiling ourselves for the past three years since adopting our little one as every cent goes into providing the best we can afford for her.”
