Benoni Old Boys spread winter warmth with blanket donation

With the cold winter days upon us, the Benoni Old Boys Football Club warmed the hearts of vulnerable community members across Benoni with a donation of 500 blankets.

The handover ceremony at the Actonville Stadium on May 1 saw partner clubs and organisations gather to receive the blankets on behalf of those most in need.

The recipients included the Benoni Spurs FC, the Sporting Club Benoni Independiente (SCBI), the Black Scorpions, the Benoni Harriers Athletic Club, the Vikings Cycling Club, the Actonville Community Alumni and the Hope and Help Foundation.

Each organisation received a share of the blankets to distribute at their discretion to orphanages and disadvantaged people in areas such as Northmead, Wattville, Actonville, Daveyton and other parts of Benoni over the coming days.

Benoni Old Boys representative Niaz Asmal said the harsh realities faced by many homeless and underprivileged residents during winter inspired the initiative.

“We saw too many people on the streets without shelter or warmth. This initiative, which kicked off in April, would not have been possible without the incredible support from the community. Their contributions have brought warmth and comfort to those who need it most,” he said.

Asmal said this was the club’s first blanket drive but hinted that it may become an annual tradition.

The partner organisation, Actonville Community Alumni, returned its allocated blankets to the club to ensure wider distribution across Benoni.

Asma Ellemdeen of the Actonville Community Alumni praised the collaboration, “We were happy to assist. It’s important to raise funds to support the community. We look forward to many more winter projects and initiatives that bring value to our community. As residents born and raised in Actonville, it’s important to give back to the community,” said Ellemdeen.

Also Read: Blanket drive a happy success

Also Read: Support BCT blanket drive