Ramsgate Lions Club’s charity fun walk boosts local non-profits
The weather played the game, eventually.
The Ramsgate Lions Club held a 5km fun walk in aid of charity recently. Gloomy conditions weren’t initially ideal, but club president Peter Lancashire addressed a healthy crowd with his welcoming remarks. He thanked everyone for their time, participation and generous donations to these crucial organisations.
Without further ado, the gathered and several furry friends strolled and socialised to Southbroom and back.
The sun soon emerged and turned up the heat, making the complimentary water station an important and smart inclusion.
Lancashire explained the Lions sponsor three key local non-profits, helping to empower crucial organisations South Coast Hospice, Lower South Coast SPCA, and Matla A Bana (the power of children).
BT King was there, representing South Coast Hospice. Their ‘fundraiser-in-chief’, she understands the costs of and resources needed for palliative care can be daunting.
“Our core function is taking care of cancer patients,” she noted. “They each need a doctor, clinical manager, nurses, sisters and caregivers, all who need specialised training for palliative care.” she said.
“Most important is the support, care, comfort, hope and dignity that we can give patients. Anger and grief needs to be attended to as well as counteracting the negative side effects of meds,” she added.
Monique Strydom is the founder of Matla A Bana, a non-profit that has provided a voice against child sexual abuse for 23 years. A former hostage, Strydom insists the experience ‘gave me my calling’. Her award-winning efforts have led to the recent opening of a new office in Margate. She concedes the organisation must ‘focus on KZN because the provincial stats show the need’.
The Lions also sponsor the local SPCA, and several members were on hand in support of the well-known animal welfare organisation.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
