Winter Wool Drive supporter turns 90
Yvonne’s legacy remains knitted tightly into the fabric of the Boksburg community- one warm heart and one woollen blanket at a time.
She’s usually in the headlines for her tireless support of the Boksburg Advertiser’s Winter Wool Drive, but this time Yvonne Pohl is in the news for celebrating her 90th birthday surrounded by loved ones.
The beloved SAVF Cosmos Home resident, who turned 90 on October 16, marked the milestone on October 19 with a joyful gathering at the Afrique Boutique Hotel OR Tambo & Conference Venue. She was joined by family members from across South Africa and as far as England.
“It was marvellous. My family surprised me. There were people I hadn’t seen in 17 years. I’m a rich woman when it comes to family.”
For years, Pohl’s name has been synonymous with community spirit. Through her knitting club at SAVF Cosmos, she’s helped collect and hundreds of items for charity, donating wool and knitted items to the Advertiser’s Winter Wool Drive, local churches, and cancer organisations.
“We used to deliver twice a year. Now it’s only two of us still knitting, but we do what we can.”
Yvonne’s mother worked as a signaller during World War II and her father a miner, while Yvonne trained as a nurse at Weskoppies Hospital before moving to Zambia, where she met her late husband, Walter. The two married in 1955 in Zimbabwe, where they raised four children and lived on a sugar estate.
“I remember cooking for the presidents at the country club”
After returning to South Africa in 1994, Yvonne continued to serve her community. Since moving into Cosmos Home in 2013, she’s been known as a caring and energetic resident who staff refers to as “op en wakker”. She still collects clothing donations for the poor, which her daughters help distribute in Benoni.
Reflecting on her long life, Yvonne credits her health and happiness to her faith. “I don’t have a secret. The Lord is good to me. I’ve got no aches and pains at all.”
And as for advice to the younger generation? She doesn’t hesitate: “Stop smoking those vapes! They’re dreadful. It’s important to live a healthy lifestyle,” she said, shaking her head.
Also Read: Valentine’s Day: unconditional love keeps Cosmos couple together
Also Read: SAVF Cosmos AGM highlights achievements, challenges
