Love boxes for the future – with teddy bears!

Knitting the community together through acts of kindness is what the Wednesday Club is all about.

The club, which started 41 years ago, is made up of a group of ladies who wanted to brighten up the lives of those who are less fortunate.

Di Bowser recently handed over her role of chairperson to Dorothy Engelbrecht and each committee member has been assigned a portfolio.

“While most of us are a bit grey, we are trying to modernise the way we work,” said Bowser with a chuckle.

“We do not just give money. We carefully select people in need, do thorough background checks and help them in other ways. One of our boys recently got a full scholarship to Ashton International College, while another boy was very good at rugby and got a scholarship for Kearsney College.”

Dorothy said they have always had great support from the community, but that there were a lot of people who still needed their help.

“Ballito is very good at helping the destitute. But there is this perception that people here are wealthy, yet there are a lot of families who need help, especially pensioners.”

Besides helping individuals, the Wednesday Club ladies also have a bridge drive fundraiser and do three annual street collections for the Jamie Ernst’ Ballito Cancer Support Network, St Lukes Home of Healing in Kearsney and Sunfield Home.

One of the projects closest to their hearts is helping new moms and their babies.

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“We used to do a lot with Pregnancy Crisis before they closed. We are thrilled that Grace Church has now set up a similar program with the Hope Through Giving Foundation (HTG).”

This non-profit organisation puts together ‘love boxes’ consisting of: nappies (cloth and disposable); vasaline; baby growers (one long and one short sleeve); blankets and towels; wet wipes; head-to-toe wash; cream and baby oil; baby face cloth and maternity pads. These love boxes will now get a special addition – the Wednesday Club’s famous hand knitted teddy bears and crochet baby clothes.

If you would like to donate pre-loved or new items towards the love boxes, get involved with the Wednesday Club or just lend a hand with the knitting, contact Dorothy at 082 7298 693.

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