Bandits steal smiles with donation

Smile and cheer were brought to a government-run retirement home when members of the Crusaders Motorcycle Club’s Bandit Charter donated 200 packages to the home’s residents.

Lee Stockenstrom, vice-president of Bandits, who works at Joint Effort in Edenvale, said the packages filled with some basic essentials were donated to residents of Annie Burger Old Age Home.

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The packages were collected during the month of November and donated on December 1.

Lee said the idea to run the initiative started when a resident of the home spoke to him earlier this year.

“I was at a braai when a resident by the name of Victor spoke to me and told me about the condition of the home and that the residents needed assistance,” said Lee.

After being informed of the residents’ plights, Lee and the charter decided to create care packages with the help of businessman Neil Quirk.

Lee said community members and several businesses decided to assist the charter in its drive.

“When people visited the store, they saw what we were doing and wanted to assist,” said Lee.

Each package contained vegetables, canned food, toiletries, sweet treats and much more.

By the time all of the packages had been made, the store’s floor was filled with them.

Lee said the support from everyone who assisted in the initiative was unbelievable.

“The response from the residents when we handed out the packages was really amazing.

“I was actually brought to tears.”

Lee said the charter hopes to continue helping the old-age home by repainting the walls and fixing up the place.

“The staff told us we had made the residents’ Christmas and asked us to come back and keep on helping them.”

Joint Efforts challenged businesses to assist the old age home or to help other organisations in need.

Contact Lee on 011 609 2025 to assist the home.

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