Fourways Gardens Residential estate rallies behind waiters during lockdown
FOURWAYS – Residents rallied together to raise R115 000 for staff at the Fourways Gardens Clubhouse whose incomes were affected by the lockdown.
Residents of Fourways Gardens Residential Estate have rallied together to support waiters and waitresses at the Fourways Gardens Clubhouse.
What began as a small drive by resident Lisa Miller and her book club developed into a drive raising R115 000 for staff affected by restaurant closures during lockdown.
Marketing lead of the residents’ sub-committee Hayley Parry said, “The realisation that waiting staff whom we see on a weekly basis were unable to work indefinitely was heart-breaking.”
The Fourways Gardens Home Owner’s Association kicked off with a donation of R19 800 with residents rallying on from there.
Parry said that the subcommittee pledged to a fundraising effort for three months, hoping to raise enough money to give the 11 staff members at the restaurant a weekly stipend until the end of August.
Raffles were created to boost fundraising efforts with residents generously donating prizes. “I was constantly amazed by the generosity of residents, supporters and businesses who rallied to support our Waiter Welfare Drive. After Lisa’s initial effort raised R9 250, the formal fundraising drive raised an additional R106 257, bringing the total to just over R115 000.”
Donations of additional food parcels were added to the drive to support staff. Waiter Brian Fengu responded to the drive saying, “Thank you guys. I don’t know what to say… You are like my second family.”
Another waiter Philani Moyo said, “If it weren’t for you, we’d be starving. My wife can’t work either and we have four children. May God bless you abundantly.”
The clubhouse’s outdoor terrace has now reopened, enabling seven of the staff to return to work.
The drive has been able to support the remaining four out-of-work staff until mid-September. The estate appeals to anyone within the broader Fourways community who has work for the remaining four experienced waitrons to email info@fwg.co.za
“It’s been a heart-warming reminder that not only is the estate an incredible place for families to live, but it’s one with a strong, philanthropic community at its heart,” concluded Parry.
