The Rotary Club of Worcester recently welcomed its new president, Leonie Pelteret, during a glamorous induction evening.

This mother, musician, avid sport enthusiast and business woman, looks forward to the work and heart the club will pour into the Breede Valley community in the coming year.

Pelteret looks forward to a busy 2026-’27 year, building on the numerous projects Rotary has been involved with in the past. This year is a notable year, as the Worcester Club is turning 80 years old.

“One of our aims this year is to collect at least R80 000 – celebrating our 80th year – to buy a Butterfly iQ+ Ultrasound Probe Device to improve maternal healthcare in the Breede Valley Area. We can hopefully buy two devices to be used at the Worcester and Zwelethemba clinics, where it is much needed.”

‘Service above self’

Pelteret assumes leadership during a year aligned with Rotary International’s theme, “Create Lasting Impact”, with a focus on sustainable service initiatives and strengthened community partnerships. In May this year the club donated three BiliCare machines for the early detection of neonatal jaundice in newborn babies.

“At Rotary we believe in ‘service above self’, as the organisation is about serving the community. By taking hands with other organisations, we can better achieve our goals of helping those who need it most,” said Pelteret.

One of the numerous projects the local Rotary Club is involved in is Soles for Souls, where school shoes are distributed to learners, in collaboration with the Breede Valley Municipality. The club also has regular outreaches to old age homes and homes for the disabled. One of the highlights was their collaboration with a singing group from Innovation for the Blind to entertain the elderly. Rotary are also known for their frequent community braais.

Following the recent storm, the club assisted both Sandy’s Eden Animal Shelter and the Goudini United Rugby Club with repairs following damage. With August being Women’s Month, the club will host an afternoon where girls will learn more about etiquette.

The popular and fun golf day for women who can’t play golf, the Gigi Classic, will take place in April to garner funds for the club’s Cold Bones project that raises funds for animal care and elderly residents.