Bikers give back to East Rand community

The Ulysses Far East chapter used fundraiser proceeds to assist families, animals and vulnerable children.

March 11, 2026

Stacy Slatter 2 minutes read

A group of four people in a clothing donation room, surrounded by shelves with folded clothes. Various canned and packaged food items on the floor add a community service vibe. Smiles and casual attire convey camaraderie and teamwork. — Yvonne Els, manager of the Sonop Caravan Park, with Warren Kennedy (Far East president), Blackie Swart (Ulysses SA national president) and Rita Kennedy (Far East treasurer and secretary). PHOTO: Stacy Slatter

Bikers from the Ulysses SA Motorcycle Association spent the morning of March 7 giving back to the community, delivering donations to four organisations across the East Rand.

Members from several chapters, namely Far East, East Rand, Joburg East, Joburg North, Centurion and even as far as Cullinan, took to the road in the name of community spirit.
A biker from Bad Boys Motorcycle Club also joined the day’s activities.

Ulysses has been operating since 1999 and was adopted from Australia.
It accommodates bikers aged 40 years and older. There are 29 chapters across all nine provinces, with more than 800 members in total.

During their stop at the Boksburg SPCA, the bikers got the opportunity to meet Oliver, a particularly special resident of the society, who is seen here being held by Melanie Mey (Boksburg SPCA field officer/adoptions admin). PHOTO: Stacy Slatter
DESCRIPTION: A group of people wearing biker attire gather outdoors, smiling and holding pet food and supplies. The scene conveys camaraderie and charity support.

Among the bikers on the day was Cosy Corner Moth Cottages resident Stuart Farquharson who, at 84 years old, is still an active rider.
Brakpan resident Warren Kennedy, president of the Far East chapter, explained that funds raised during a Barnyard Theatre fundraiser enabled the chapter to give back.
The fundraiser includes a competition, with the winner receiving the proceeds to distribute to beneficiaries.

The winner is also responsible for organising the next event.
Kennedy told the Brakpan Herald the initiative is relatively new, and they expect it will continue to grow and flourish so the club can assist even more organisations.
“We thank everyone who supported us, and we hope to do this even more,” he said.

Three men in leather vests, adorned with various patches, stand outdoors smiling in front of a leafy tree. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. — Denis McDonald and Peter Doig from the Ulysses Far East chapter with Lourens Botes from Bad Boys SA, who all took part in the ride that saw donations delivered to four organisations across the East Rand. PHOTO: Stacy Slatter

This year the chapter had R15 000 to donate. Four beneficiaries were contacted and asked what items they needed most.
The beneficiaries were Sonop Caravan Park in Benoni, which is home to 99 families, the Boksburg SPCA, the Brakpan SPCA, and Mother’s Nest, a place of safety in Brakpan for children in distress.
Sonop Caravan Park and Mother’s Nest each received R5 000 worth of goods, such as groceries and toiletries.

The SPCAs each received R2 000 worth of goods, including pet food.
The remaining R1 000 will go towards the association’s president’s benevolent fund, which assists bikers in need.

A group of five people stand smiling on a covered patio, surrounded by donations including toilet paper, canned foods. — Groceries and toiletries were donated to Mother’s Nest in Brenthurst. Seen at the handover are, back: Warren Kennedy (Far East president), Willem Kruger (Joburg North president) and Theo Joubert (East Rand president). Front: Trudie Groenewald from Mother’s Nest and Blackie Swart (Ulysses SA national president). PHOTO: Stacy Slatter

The bikers gathered at a petrol station in Benoni at 08:30 before setting off in convoy to the caravan park, which is situated in Farrarmere.
The residents of Sonop are all hard-working individuals who are trying to get back on their feet.

Some were waiting at the gate to greet the bikers upon their arrival, and the roar of the motorcycles delighted the children who live at the park.
After the handover, the group headed to the Boksburg SPCA, where they delivered pet food and other requested items, such as gardening equipment.

A group of diverse people poses happily on grass in front of a mural-painted container under a blue sky. The scene conveys camaraderie and community spirit. — The bikers during their visit to the Brakpan SPCA. The donated goods were gratefully received by Lientjie Hamel (left) from the local society. PHOTO: Stacy Slatter

The bikers also had the opportunity to meet Oliver, the small Dachshund-cross surrendered to the Boksburg SPCA in a car oil-soaked bucket.
Oliver made headlines after his owner walked into the society in May 2021, with the bucket and told staff he no longer wanted the dog and said it had been sick for a long time.
From there the convoy travelled to Witpoort, where more pet food and goods were donated to the Brakpan SPCA.

Members greeted some of the animals in the kennels before making their way to Mother’s Nest in Brenthurst.
The children at the home were out on an excursion for the day and missed the arrival of the bikes, which staff said they would have loved, but the donation was nonetheless greatly appreciated.

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