Seven members of Brackenhurst Bowling Club turned their milestone 70th birthdays into an opportunity to make a difference, donating food parcels and essential items to residents of Silverkroon Old Age Flats on June 19.

The Brackenhurst Bowling Club, situated in Brackenhurst and home to approximately 180 members, celebrated the seven members who have turned, and some still to turn 70 during the course of the year.

Rather than hosting separate birthday parties, Lloyd Nicholson, Adele Thompson, Cathy Hughes, Pat Corin, Mike Tandy, Phil Wilson and Ian Campbell decided to have one combined celebration.

The birthday bash took place on June 14, where members enjoyed a morning of fun bowls followed by a delicious lunch. Entertainment was provided by one-man band Wayne Nunes and 2 brothers played the bagpipes, creating a festive atmosphere as club members celebrated together.

As word spread about the celebration, many people asked what gifts the birthday celebrants would like to receive. Instead of accepting presents, the seven members requested that everyone bring non-perishable food items to donate to a worthy cause.

The response exceeded expectations. Brackenhurst Bowling Club members, together with their families, friends and a few sponsors, generously donated a wide variety of non-perishable food items, toiletries and other household essentials.

Bread was also donated, allowing the club to prepare complete food parcels for residents in need.

After hearing about the challenges faced by many residents at Silverkroon Old Age Flats, particularly pensioners who rely on SASSA grants, the club selected the facility as the beneficiary of the donations.

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The response exceeded expectations. Brackenhurst Bowling Club members, together with their families, friends and a few sponsors, generously donated a wide variety of non-perishable food items, toiletries and other household essentials. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

♬ original sound – Alberton Record

Club members spent Wednesday sorting and packing the donations into food parcels before delivering them to Silverkroon Old Age Flats on June 19.

Residents were welcomed with hot soup and fresh rolls before each person received a food parcel containing non-perishable groceries, bread and toiletries.

The day’s entertainment was Mick Matthews, a Brackenhurst Bowling Club member and former musician with the popular band Ballyhoo, who performed for the residents, creating a cheerful atmosphere before the food parcels were distributed.

“Instead of receiving gifts for their 70th birthdays, our seven members asked everyone to bring non-perishable food for a worthy cause.

@albertonrecord

The day’s entertainment was Mick Matthews, a Brackenhurst Bowling Club member and former musician with the popular band Ballyhoo, who performed for the residents, creating a cheerful atmosphere before the food parcels were distributed. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

♬ original sound – Alberton Record

“The generosity shown by our club members, their families, friends and a few sponsors was incredible.

Every food item, every toiletry and every contribution came from people who wanted to help.

“We were able to pack food parcels, serve soup and rolls, and spend time with the residents. It has been a truly lovely and rewarding day, and we hope we have made a meaningful difference in their lives,” said Lynne Nicholson.

The initiative showcased the compassion and community spirit of Brackenhurst Bowling Club, proving that a birthday celebration can become far more meaningful when it brings hope to others.

Through the generosity of its members, their families and friends, the club transformed one special occasion into a day of kindness that will be remembered by both the donors and the grateful residents of Silverkroon Old Age Flats.