Meet the new chairperson of Round Table Boksburg 17

From a young age, Richard Ellis has been making a difference in the community, and now he is the new chairperson of Round Table Boksburg 17.

He takes over the reins from Walter van Rooyen.

Richard has lived most of his life in Boksburg and was always willing to do charity work.

“I have always felt that we all deserve to be treated with the respect and dignity that we would like to receive. I will always help where I can in my business and private life.

“I started volunteering at the Boksburg SPCA when I was young. Animal welfare is close to my heart. I always have at least three dog leashes in my car to catch stray dogs running in traffic.

“I will often stop or even turn around in traffic to assist someone broken down on the side of the road or sitting with a flat tyre. I believe that good deeds will always be repaid and that Boksburg and the world needs more kindness,” he said.

Ellis joined Round Table in 2013 and left in 2016. He re-joined Round Table in 2023.

“I’ve come back to Round Table because of the charity work we undertake and the fellowship within Round Table. My neighbour first introduced me to Round Table. He asked me to assist on a project.

“I assisted as waiter for the matric farewell that Round Table hosted for Muriel Brand School, and from this project I decided that this was an organisation I wanted to be a part of,” said Ellis.

Ellis said that being inducted as chairperson is an honour and a privilege.

“I look forward to growing our table and the projects that lie ahead for the next two years,” he said.

Some of Ellis’ best memories within the organisation are the distribution of blankets and clothing from the organisation’s Winter Knights Project.

“Seeing the appreciation that the people in need have for simple items that we take for granted is a humbling experience.”

Another fond memory for the chairperson is the international travel trip he got to experience.

“I was sent to Germany to represent my Table at a meeting. The beauty of this meeting was international members who felt like long-time friends. It amazes me that an organisation can connect men from all around the world who have the same goals,” he said.

His vision is to grow membership through charity projects.

“In the late 90s Boksburg had so many members that they had ta to charter a second Boksburg Table. My vision is to get back to those numbers as this would enable us to do more for the community within Boksburg.”

Projects
Ellis said there are a few projects that he would like to revive in Boksburg.

“One of the projects that I would love to revive is the steam train Kim that used to operate at the Bokkie Park in the early 90s. This brought so much joy to children, including myself. Kim was donated to Round Table by ERPM.

“Her whistle could be heard going all day. Unfortunately, Kim was decommissioned, and we have never been able to get a new train.

“One project that is close to my heart is the matric farewell for Muriel Brand School. This is a project that has also not happened for quite some time, and I would like to get it going again. These children with special needs are often forgotten, and this is a night where they will be treated like the amazing individuals they are.”

A new project that the new chairman would like to get going is a community garden that grows organic produce to feed people in need.

“We are looking for people who would be able to donate infrastructure like water tanks, raised beds, gardening implements and seeds,” he said.

Ellis encourages men between the ages of 18 and 40 to reach out and join Round Table.
“In numbers, we can be the difference that we want to see in our town.”

For more information, contact Ellis on 072 560 9958.

Also Read: Round Table celebrates 70 years