Golf day for Gateway
A local business owner's heart was captured by the friendly residents of the Gateway Village in Ruimsig.
He is being described as an angel from the community.
Jan Cilliers, a local business owner, has taken it upon himself to become involved in raising funds for the Ruimsig-based Gateway Village, a centre for the physical and mentally challenged.
“I have become so attached to the people of this village that I felt the need to help them so that the staff can continue with their good work in giving them a better life.”
This has led him to organising golf day events to raise money, seeing that the government had withdrawn some of the funds that the centre was receiving a while back already.
“I have decided that I can do something to give back to my community,” said Jan, who held his third successful golf day event at the Krugersdorp Golf Course.
He himself managed to secure 26 four-ball teams.
“I am not doing this to get any recognition,” a modest Jan said.
“During a visit to the centre, one learns never to take life and the things you have for granted . After I have experienced this I have decided that I wanted to be part of keeping the Village afloat as this people need to get the best care available to them.”
He said it is the constant smiles and friendliness that he received that made his heart melt.
Moira Short, fundraising manager at the Village said they are happy when community members such as Jan become involved.
“The Village is a one of a kind centre and has all the facilities needed to keep our residents happy.”
Over 100 people live at the centre; some of them elderly, and others who no longer have any parents.
There is also a school, and an extra 60 children are picked up and dropped off at home on a daily basis.
“All the others are permanent residents and need to be cared for,” Moira said.
“Jan is therefore our own angel, because it is people like him who help us to be able to continue our work.”
At the end of the day the various golfers had the opportunity to win several prizes in the raffle draws.
Jan also thanked the other sponsors of the event such as Wirulink, Clover and Fidelity who ensured that they have some great prizes to offer the golfers.
For more information about the Village or how to become part of raising funds, Moira can be contacted on 011 958 0384/5 or 072 650 6879.
