After 18 months of hard work coupled with fun, the Stellenbosch Rotary Club (SRC) is back up and running.
On Tuesday (2 July) the club met at La Pineta in Stellenbosch to welcome new members, handover awards and discuss its plans for the coming year.
According to re-inducted president of the SRC, Stuart Hunter, the past year has seen the club tackle various smaller projects, effectively kick-starting operations again.
Growing from three to 22 members over the past year, the club has steadily increased its numbers.
Over the past year donations were made to Stellenbosch Hospital, the club held a successful fundraising golf day and assisted in getting local learners’ eyes tested, among other projects.
The latest project was a blanket drive, which saw the club collect more than R40 000, which will be used to buy good quality blankets for those in need.
One of Rotary’s core values is service above self, and with the help of the neighbouring Rotary Club of Helderberg Sunrise, Hunter added that the club is well on its way to make a positive impact in the community, especially as the need among local residents is so great.
The SRC is the second-oldest club in the district.
According to Hunter the SRC’s main focus areas will now be preventive healthcare, hygiene and basic education and literacy.
Hunter emphasised it is not enough to collect money and simply spend it. “To truly service the community in way that will have a lasting impact, the club need to spend wisely,” he said.
This is why the SRC is now looking to engage with local stakeholders and partners and create more visibility.
Along with plans set out on the evening, it also awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award to Rikus Badenhorst.
The member of the National Council of Provinces is a former Stellenbosch ward councillor and Roundtable member.
Hunter declared that with his years of community work and service, Badenhorst is a worthy recipient.
Badenhorst received the award with some emotion, saying he understood the importance and honour of receiving the accolade.
He added that with the team at the helm, he is sure the SRC will go from strength to strength.
Jackie Hunter, public relations officer for the club, was also honoured as Rotarian of the Year for her “amazing work” over the last year.
