A few months ago, PE Express reported on Winter Knights, a grassroots initiative under the Round Table that made significant strides in supporting the less fortunate during the harsh winter months.
At the time, the Round Table’s Cornel Strydom explained that this year the collective efforts of three prominent Round Table clubs, PE West 142, Algoa 108, and Zwartkops 195, have been focused on gathering clothing, food, and blankets.
Months down the line the group, through the help of the community, has exceeded their target, making it possible to reach as many people in need as possible, in Gqeberha.
“We saw overwhelming support from both the public and sponsors, resulting in the collection of 440 bags of clothing!” said Strydom excitedly.
On June 8, the members of three Round Table clubs gathered at the Algoa 108 clubhouse to prepare for a significant distribution effort.
The clothing, meticulously packed into a truck, was first delivered to the homeless shelter in Greenbushes.
From there, the clubs took to the streets of Gqeberha, distributing clothing directly to those in need at various intersections across the city.
Despite covering significant ground, the clubs still found themselves with surplus donations. In a generous gesture of solidarity, the remaining 170 bags of clothing, weighing a total of 600kg, were donated to the Community Chest’s Winter Woolie project, contributing towards their goal of collecting one ton of clothing.
The success of the Winter Knights Project has left Round Table members both humbled and proud. Their efforts not only aided the local community, but also supported the initiatives of a fellow service organisation.
Round Table extended its heartfelt thanks to the corporate donors and community for their contributions, which played a pivotal role in the project’s success. The clubs are already looking ahead to next year, with aspirations of expanding the project to provide even more support to those in need.
