The Rotary Club of Krugersdorp recently hosted its annual Friends of the Rotary function at Golden Age Village to recognise the dedication of Rotarians and other NGOs serving the community and the needy in Krugersdorp.

According to club president Dennis Pretorius, the event is held annually to acknowledge exceptional service to the community. Several community members have received Merit Awards from the club over the years.

“We combined this function with funds originally raised from the former West Rand Show, which are now invested in a trust with the Krugersdorp Rotary Club. With the show closing in the late 1980s, organisations were granted these funds, and the annual interest earned is used for their designated purposes,” Dennis explained.

Recipients of these funds must report annually on how the interest has been used. Organisations benefiting from the trust include The Bethany House Trust, The Cradle of Hope, Project Hope in Munsieville, Lighthouse Care Centre for disabled children in Tarlton, Baby Jade House for orphaned children, and The Gideons Bible Association. Additional donations are handled throughout the year from other fundraising projects.

The event typically hosts around 70 people, including members of the Community Police Forum, emergency services in the area, police, Rotary Anns, and block leaders from local old age homes such as Golden Age Village and Memorial Flats. It is a significant thanksgiving evening that celebrates ‘service above self’.