Some of them crochet, some paint and some are professionals, but all the members of the Ladies Exercise Group of St Helena Bay (in short, LEGS) are passionate about animals and their welfare.
These women, who daily exercise together at the DR church, generously gave items to be raffled and garnered others to support the winter fundraiser for the benefit of two animal protection associations.
Items raffled included a kayak, a stand-up air conditioner, a fan heater, several valuable paintings, a voucher for a salon facial, jewellery, crocheted blankets, a blood pressure machine, car valet vouchers, dot art coasters and 100 kg of firewood.
According to Desirée Gibson they raise funds twice a year, in winter with a raffle and Christmas in July function with all the trimmings, such as egg nog, all immaculately dressed in green, red, white or something Christmassy and glittery.
This year the proceeds of the winter raffle went to the Swartland and West Coast Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the newly established Community Animal Rescue Entity (CARE) based in St Helena Bay, who each received R5 100.
Gibson’s husband, James, did the marketing for the fundraiser and acted as master of ceremonies for the give-away of the raffle winners at the St Helena Bay Hotel, who provided the venue free of charge.
He reiterated that despite the community of St Helena Bay hurting economically and it being hard times, they gave less than in previous years, but still contributed. “Our community is hurting.”
Eddy Augustine, marketing manager of the hotel, said helping to raise funds supports the “fur babies” and spreads awareness of this worthy cause.
Margie van Rooyen from CARE explained that the organisation goes from house to house in Laingville and Smartie Town and determines what pet owners’ needs are.
They also provide dog training courses and educate children on how to take care of their pets.
The members of LEGS show that yoga-inspired exercises such as pilates not only build strength and stamina, and keep the legs sculpted, but also cultivate kindness and compassion by giving to the community and making a difference.
Gibson, who is LEGS’ instructor is a qualified modern dance and exercise teacher and an associate with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance in London. She danced in Sun City’s extravaganzas for many years and also worked as a can-can dancer at the Moulin Rouge in Paris, France, and in dance shows in Durban including some pantomimes for the Natal Performing Arts Council (NAPAC).
The next LEGS fundraiser will be around Christmas as well as their yearly stylish Christmas party.
To join this merry band of exercising women, phone Desirée at 084 922 9782 or send her an email at desgibs@vodamail.co.za
