Charity society healthy
CANDICE BRADFIELD
LONG-TIME Kowie resident Joyce Heny received a special welcome at the recent Port Alfred Benevolent Society AGM.
Chairman of the managing committee Tommy Hartzenberg thanked her for chairing several charity organisations over the years.
"Your contribution has been absolutely immense,” he said.
| SPREADING GOODWILL: The Port Alfred Benevolent Society met for their AGM at the Goodwill Centre recently. At the back (from left) are Damant Lodge representative Bruce Smith, Joy Altson from welfare, Angus Barnard who heads up the education fund and Tommy Hartzenberg, chairman of the managing committee. In front (from left) are secretary Heather Howard, Kay Hartzenberg from the Goodwill Centre and Joyce Heny who has been involved in Port Alfred charity work for over 50 years and received a special mention Picture: CANDICE BRADFIELD |
Joy Altson from Welfare said they had initially been declined by Lotto but will now be getting over R500 000 from them. This will keep the Goodwill Centre going for another year, she said.
They are currently overseeing three vegetable gardens in the area which are doing well in Station Hill, Bathurst and Port Alfred. She said they are hoping to expand on these gardens as funds allow.
Over 1 000 children's eyes have been tested, which includes the whole of Kuyasa Combined School last year and the new intake this year. The Lions provided spectacles to those children who needed them. Xhosa phonics are also being done with the Grade 1s.
They are currently feeding 260 families every two weeks. A further 50 families in Bathurst receive food once a month.
Kay Hartzenberg said numbers at the Goodwill Centre had been declining but that they were still supported by Damant Lodge.
Bruce Smith reported that at Damant Lodge a farewell had been held for sister Dot Parsons and thanked her for her enormous contribution. He noted that she received the Paul Harris Fellowship award for her outstanding work. He wished her a long and happy rest. Jenny Johnson will be the new sister in charge.
Smith said the renovations at the lodge were continuing full stream and that overall security had improved. He thanked Margaret Barnard for always organising the entertainment. He said their financial position was healthy and that the Bradfield Trust had helped, as well as the contribution of the late sister Kitcat.
Angus Barnard said it had been a difficult year financially for the Education Fund. Funds have been reduced because of interest rates. Educational institutions have also increased their fees.
Noel Stotter and Kevin Heny were elected to stay on the managing committee.
