VANDERBIJLPARK.- It was more than a rugby national championship when some members of the SAPS and players embarked on a charity outreach recently.

This initiative was not part of the tournament, however, some individuals saw it important to do something apart from participating in the SAPS Rugby National Championships that came to an end on August 1.

They visited the local shelters in Vanderbijlpark and Tshepiso in Sharpeville to do some charity work in the community. Some of the shelters they visited included Itumeleng Children’s Home in Tshepiso and Matwala Children’s Home in Vanderbilpark.

They gave clothes, shoes, and groceries to the two shelters.

Sedibeng Ster Sport was told that they had done this out of their own pocket after they decided to contribute a certain amount for this outreach programme. The players were accompanied by Brigadier Petersen, who also used this initiative in memory of her late husband.

She bought a cake and shared it with the two shelters in memory of her husband.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, the players said they could not head home without doing something for the Vaal community.

“We went to these two shelters to contribute the little that we have to these children. We were overwhelmed by their love, and we wish we could come back to do more, because there is a lot that needs to be done to help these children or shelters,” they said.

“It is every South African’s responsibility to help those who are in need within our community. I think if we had stayed longer, we could have done so much more to ensure we leave with something that would last for sometime, especially food. We all know our challenges, especially after COVID-19. It has never been easy for all of us, with some of us losing their jobs,” the team told Sedibeng Ster Sport.