A community service club launched in Ruimsig earlier this year is working across the West Rand to respond to needs ranging from food insecurity and literacy to childhood cancer, mental health and disaster relief.

The Ruimsig Lions International Service Club was launched in March by Elna Els, who has been involved in community volunteering for several years.

Els said her experience working with soup kitchens, childhood cancer initiatives and other community projects showed her that many needs require more than once-off donations.

The Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted challenges in schools, feeding schemes and employment, strengthening her belief that organisations need to work together on both immediate and long-term solutions.

The club now serves Ruimsig, Honeydew, Little Falls, Radiokop, Muldersdrift, parts of Krugersdorp, Tarlton and Randfontein. Els said the club will also assist in other areas when it has the resources to do so.

Addressing food insecurity and literacy

Food security is one of the club’s key areas of work. Since March, it has helped distribute about five tons of potatoes donated by farmers, as well as one ton of vegetables, to community centres across the West Rand.

The club also provides about five individual family care packs each month and makes regular donations to three soup kitchens.

Youth development is another major focus. The club has supported a local literacy drive with more than 1 000 books in different languages and age groups. It also runs storytelling sessions at supported creches and is planning a major study-guide project for 2027.

Schools and organisations supported by the club include Curamus School for Autism, Simunye Creche and Imichle Creche.

The club’s work also extends to childhood cancer awareness. It has hosted Cupcakes of Hope sessions and partnered with DKMS to encourage bone marrow donor registrations.

Other support has included donations of baby formula, nappies, clothing, toys, books, toiletries and cleaning materials to foster and safe homes. The club has also supplied household items to families rebuilding after fires or coming out of rehabilitation.

Building a community network

The club works with a network of organisations, including Cupcakes of Hope, DKMS, the Salvation Army of Krugersdorp, Cansa, Wings of Inspiration, Honeydew Pregnancy Crisis Centre, Baby G Foster Care, Belly2Brain, the Irish Women’s Club, Fred and Martie Soup Kitchen and Love Mullies.

Els said the club finds people and organisations needing help through its own community visits, ward councillors, community leaders and local WhatsApp and Facebook groups.

While some projects are planned around specific service pillars and awareness months, she said being present in the community helps the club respond to needs as they arise.

Funding and resources have so far come from farmers, individuals, companies and other charities. The club also operates clothing thrift shops to help fund its wellness days, with sustainable corporate fundraising identified as a future priority.

One of the challenges is the rising cost of fuel, particularly because the club needs to collect and distribute food quickly. Els said the club would also benefit from another vehicle or bakkie.

Future projects and contact details

Several projects are in the pipeline, including a long-term plan to improve the kitchen and supplies at Simunye Creche and renovations to the teachers’ room at Ebenhaezer Primary School.

The club also wants to establish a sustainable nutritional feeding scheme serving organisations such as schools, creches, rehabilitation centres, churches and special-needs facilities in Muldersdrift and surrounding areas.

According to Els, quarterly wellness days are planned, with the next one scheduled for November. These will include eye and hearing tests, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as support and advice around special needs and mental health.

The club is also planning childhood cancer awareness sessions at seven schools, literacy initiatives in more community centres and a school support project providing and swapping study guides, clothing and stationery for 2027.

Another long-term goal is to secure a permanent space in Muldersdrift where the club can run its activities and be accessible to the community.

Residents, businesses and organisations can join the Friends of Lions Ruimsig WhatsApp group on 083 650 7256 to find out about upcoming projects and ways to assist. Els can also be contacted at president@ruimsiglions.org.za, while the Ruimsig Lions Club shares events and feedback on Facebook.