A group of women known as the Golden Girls is once again making a difference in the community through their ongoing support of charitable initiatives in partnership with Alberton Lions Club.

Five years ago, the group began supporting the Alberton Lions Club’s Bra and Knockers Project by donating bras for breast cancer survivors receiving treatment at the Charlotte Maxeke Oncology Wards.

Since then, their support has grown into an annual tradition, with donations including blankets, beanies, groceries, clothing and other essential items for community projects.

The Golden Girls’ involvement in community outreach dates back 12 years, when a friend of Gillian van Dyk, Sean Haylock, started the beanies and blankets project.

The Golden Girls later continued the initiative, ensuring that vulnerable members of the community continued to receive support.

Coordinated by Gillian, the Golden Girls are a close-knit group of women from Alberton and surrounding areas who originally met through walking activities. Over time, their friendship evolved into a shared passion for charitable work and community service.

The group regularly participates in projects championed by Gillian, with members knitting, crocheting and sourcing items needed to support various causes.

All their initiatives are currently self-funded, highlighting their commitment to helping others. Their children are often involved as well, assisting with collecting, packaging and distributing donations to those in need.

This year, Alberton Lions Club received one of the largest donations from the Golden Girls, which was distributed to local crèches supported by the organisation.

The beanies will benefit disadvantaged children attending the annual Christmas in Winter project, while clothing donations were directed to the Lions clothing bank for homeless individuals. Some items will also be used for disaster relief efforts following fires and floods.

The group’s generosity also extended to Alberton Methodist Church, which is establishing a temporary place of safety for foster children. Alberton Lions Club donated blankets to support the initiative.

To their traditional charitable projects, the Golden Girls introduced a new cause this year.

Following Gillian’s diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the group launched an awareness campaign to educate the public about the condition and raise funds for the Motor Neuron Disease Association of South Africa.

To support the campaign, husbands, sons, and partners joined the women in the Cold Courage Challenge, helping spread awareness of the disease and support fundraising efforts.

Current members of the Golden Girls include Gillian van Dyk, Judy van Dyk, Gerda Krugel, Brigitte Krugel, Nellie Moroney, Natasha Joubert, Heather Hurter, Andie Hurter, June Stanbury, Taylon Olivier, Adri Potgieter, Debi Dingle and Doreen Jacobsz.

The Alberton Lions Club expressed its gratitude for the continued support and generosity of the Golden Girls, whose efforts have positively impacted numerous community projects over the years.

Residents interested in joining the Golden Girls can contact Gillian van Dyk on 083 408 9743.

For more information about Alberton Lions Club and its community projects, residents can contact 067 748 4574.