The Ibhayi Small Business Chamber celebrated the generous and giving nature of its female members by hosting a charity event to create awareness and attract sponsorship for the Lake Farm Centre.
The centre in Kragga Kamma, which accommodates intellectually challenged adults, is struggling to maintain its independent sewerage system, redundant fire alarm system and general upkeep of the facility.
Chamber vice-chair Tania Knoetze said the high tea event on Friday morning had also been to celebrate women and their journeys through business.
“We decided to make it a meaningful gathering by ensuring that all who attend bring toiletries as gifts for the residents of the centre,” she said.
“The country is moving forward because we see a lot of women take up senior positions in workplaces, which is great and we need more of that.
“As the chamber we have regular networking events to share our business offerings and ideas.
“We are planning a business expo for next year.
“We also offer training programmes for members and non-members and we invite all people in small business to be part of our network,” Knoetze said.
The Lake Farm Centre was established in 1959 and now accommodates 80 people, some of whom have been there since the start.
General manager Amelia Laubscher said while some members still had families who were able to contribute financially to their support, a growing number had become entirely dependent on the centre and government subsidies.
“The main thing for us is awareness, because you still get so many people in Gqeberha and surrounds who’ve heard about the centre, but don’t know what we actually do.
“With this event we hope that more people will know about us so we can maybe get them to sponsor us with whatever they can,” Laubsher said.
She said they were subsidised by social development and the through the Sassa grants, but more assistance was required to fix several issues which amounted to at least R700,000.
“We have projects that need to be done. A lot of it is maintenance work and to keep the facility safe. We have an independent sewerage system and it has reached the end of its lifespan and requires refurbishment.”
HeraldLIVE
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