Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a warm meal, a wheelchair, or an opportunity for a child to learn. For the Rotary Club Klerksdorp, community service is about identifying needs and finding practical ways to improve the lives of those facing difficult circumstances.

Club president Willie Venter says he joined Rotary in 2021 after learning about its work through friends. What began as an interest in volunteering has since become a lifestyle centered on service and making a difference.

The community faces several challenges, including poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and vulnerable children and elderly residents who lack access to resources.

One initiative particularly close to his heart involved an elderly woman in Kanana, a township in Klerksdorp, who had been bedridden for almost eight years. The club arranged a new wheelchair, giving her an opportunity to move around and spend time outside again.

Venter says moments like these remind members that even a relatively small contribution can restore someone’s dignity and significantly improve their quality of life.

The club’s work also extends to education and food security. Through a whiteboard project, it has supported interactive learning at a local school, with a larger initiative currently underway to reach five schools with approximately 104 digital boards. Venter says some children have never had the opportunity to see wild animals and these boards give them access to that kind of footage. The project, valued at almost R5m, is being funded through a Rotary International global grant.

The Rotary Club in Klerksdorp getting packages ready to deliver to the community. Photo supplied

In Jouberton, the club also supports a vegetable garden at St Peter’s Catholic Church, providing an opportunity for community members to grow and sell produce while developing sustainable skills.

Its partnership with the Klerksdorp Community Centre is another important part of its food support efforts. Through donated vegetables and other contributions, the club helps the center feed approximately 700 people every week.

Venter says the club also supports food distribution initiatives through nutritious instant porridge supplied to vulnerable communities.

Looking ahead, the club hopes to strengthen its partnerships and encourage more residents and businesses to contribute their time, skills, and resources

One of its upcoming initiatives is the Tree of Joy project on 26 November, when members will visit local old-age homes to distribute Christmas treats and spend time with elderly residents.

Venter says the club’s vision is not simply to grow its membership, but to become more visible and encourage more people to take part in meaningful community work. It’s not just about financial contributions but time as well.

He says residents interested in getting involved with the club can contact them through their website and social media platforms.

OFM News/Ditebogo Molefi sm

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