Rotary Club of Flamingo Welkom honours local businesses; continues to impact the community.

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Rotary is a global non-profit that unites people from all backgrounds to create lasting change, says Zack Lombard, president of Rotary Club of Flamingo Welkom. “Through projects, members address important issues. During 2024-2025 we’ve focused on health, education, and helping those in need.”

The prestigious annual Legends of the Goldfields Business Dinner recently celebrated entrepreneurs and busi-nesses that drive growth and create jobs in the region. “These legends believe in the Goldfields’ potential and remain steadfast in their commitment to the community that supports their success.”

Among the club’s many contributions this year:

• Bongani Regional Hospital received educational toys for its Speech and Occupational Therapy department.
• Virginia SPCA, celebrating its 60th anniversary, was gifted a snake-catching kit and accessories to safely relocate indigenous snakes.
• House of Hope, a long-time beneficiary, received a washing machine and schoolbooks for older children.
• Winter relief included knitted jerseys for Othello Youth Centre, blankets for Sonskyn Project, and new mattresses for Maanblom Child and Youth Care Centre.
• CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation was given a washing machine to aid in the care of young cancer patients.
• In partnership with the Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg Azalea, 5,000 diapers were donated to local charities.

Community fundraising events continue to shine. The whimsical Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and the 36th Annual Golf Day supported Goldfields Hospice.

The club’s Polio Awareness fundraiser raised R35,000, featuring a replica “iron lung” where volunteers lay inside until freed by donations.

Next up is the Pedal for Polio cycling event, reinforcing Rotary Interna-tional’s mission to eradicate polio.

As Christmas approaches, the club will again partner with the Widow’s Sons for the Santa Shoe Box project, filling boxes with essentials and gifts for underprivileged children.

The beloved Tree of Joy initiative will invite the community to select and donate gifts for those in care.

“Without the generosity of business-people and the wider community, none of these projects would be possible, thank you.” Zack concludes.