Rotary | People of Action

End Polio Now

This is the flagship project of Rotary International, started in 1985, committed to the eradication of the wild Polio virus world-wide.

Literally billions of dollars have been put into a worldwide vaccination programme and this virus can now (2021) be found only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. A huge milestone was reached in 2020 with the declaration that the virus had been eradicated in Nigeria, making the African Continent free of the wild Polio virus.

It is a Rotary initiative supported by governments everywhere, WHO, UNICEF and many other organisations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which has supported Rotary’s giving at a ratio of 2:1.

Rotary Club of Kenton on Sea is involved in the following projects in 2024/2025:

Environment Projects

Road Signs
Kenton Compost Project
Snare Eradication Project

Youth Services

Fish and Chips babies
Klipfontein Primary School
Nompucuko Combined School in Marscelle
Thokomala Home in Marcelle
Swim Camp

Club Services

Siya Soup

Project Services

End Polio Now
Rotary Golf Day
Wine Festival
5km Fun run
Rhino Run
Boat Race
Blood donation
Kenton Sees Project
NSRI
Hospice
Tree of Joy

Presidential Theme 2024/25

Members create that magic with every project completed, every Rand donated, and every new member of Rotary.

Rotary Club of Kenton on Sea was involved in the following projects in 2023/2024:

Environment Projects

Recycling
Road Signs
Pathway Oceans Road – Donkin Drive
Kenton Compost Project
Snare Project

Youth Services

Fish and Chips babies
Klipfontein Primary School
Swim Camp
Nompucuko Combined School in Marscelle

Club Services

Siyakhatala Soup Kitchen
Book donations from the USA

Project Services

Rotary Golf Day
Wine Festival
5km Fun run
Boat Race
Blood donation
Eye Clinic Project
NSRI
Hospice
Tree of Joy
Bistro Evening

Building Hope, Creating Change: Our projects in 2023/2024

2023/2024 was a remarkable year of compassion, community, and change. This overview aims to encapsulate the essence of our unwavering commitment to societal well-being. Join us in revisiting the chapters that defined a year marked by purpose, passion, and profound positive change…

Read this on our blog...

Project details

End Polio Now

This is a Rotary International project, started in 1985, committed to the eradication of the wild Polio virus world-wide .Literally billions of dollars have been put into a worldwide vaccination programme and this virus can now (2021) be found only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. A huge milestone was reached in 2020 with the declaration that the virus had been eradicated in Nigeria, making the African Continent Polio free. It is a Rotary initiative supported by governments everywhere, WHO, UNICEF and many other organisations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which has supported Rotary’s giving at a ratio of 2:1.

Read news about this project here

NSRI

Rotary played a vital role in raising funds for a satellite NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) station in Kenton on Sea, helping to enhance local rescue efforts. Thanks to their support, a JetRIB rescue craft named Spirit of Kenton and a Suzuki Jimny rescue vehicle were delivered to the station. These resources significantly strengthen the NSRI’s ability to respond swiftly to emergencies, ensuring greater safety for the community and those at sea.

Snare Eradication

Rotarians in Kenton were aware that there was a lot of snaring taking place in the undeveloped parts of town, Joan Muirhead nature reserve and various other greenbelt areas surrounding Kenton.

In an attempt to do something to control this, Rotary applied to join the Assegaai Conservancy and was accepted as “members” in 2009, with the blessing of the municipality. One of our members now meets regularly with the local conservation team who patrol the bush areas of the town to check on wildlife and dismantle snares. Read news about this project here

Fish and Chips Babies

Fish and Chips Babies is a Rotary project that has been running since 2018. It was launched to address the high number of teenage pregnancies, where many young parents would leave the hospital with their newborns wrapped in newspaper due to a lack of resources. The goal of this project is to provide new parents with a full pack of essentials for their babies. Each pack includes a blanket, receiver, babygrow, vest, leggings, socks, beanie, jersey, t-shirt and shorts, and nappies—all neatly wrapped in a pillowcase. These packs are distributed to clinics in Alexandria, Marcelle, Ekuphumuleni, and Port Alfred Hospital, with 22 pillowcase packs delivered each month.

Youth Services

Rotary runs several youth service projects, reaching children at Klipfontein Primary School, Nonpucuko Combined School in Marcelle, and Thokomala Home in Marcelle, as well as offering a swim camp focused on water safety and building confidence. These initiatives aim to support children aged 8-18 on weekends, providing them with valuable life skills, guidance, and orientation. Each session includes a skill-building activity, a nutritious lunch, and involvement in small projects to foster personal growth and community engagement.

Kenton Sees Project

The “Kenton Sees” project, a collaboration between Rotary Kenton-on-Sea and Dr. Davies Optometrists, is transforming lives by providing essential eye care to those who cannot afford it. With a decade of dedicated service, this initiative ensures that locals receive the eye screenings, spectacles, and surgeries they need, restoring their vision and offering them a brighter future.

Hospice

Rotary Kenton on Sea proudly supports Hospice, which provides compassionate care and support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. Hospice offers medical, emotional, and spiritual assistance to patients and their families, helping them navigate challenging times with dignity and comfort. Rotary’s support aids Hospice in delivering essential services to the community, ensuring that those in need receive dedicated care and guidance.

SANBS

This national organization has venues countrywide to which donors may come on a regular basis. In our area donors had been seriously dwindling and the club decided to offer their support to help create awareness and keep people advised as to when the next visit would be happening. With the shortage of blood currently being experienced nationally, we are proud to show that SANBS now comes to us monthly instead of quarterly. A club member has also offered a far more user friendly venue which is now being used.

Read news about this project here

Rhino Run

This is an annual, national event which takes place in only four other centres. Its intention is to raise awareness and funds for the protection of rhinos. Our club assists by providing marshals and by providing the breakfast/ brunch tent. The event has grown over the years to the extent that, although Kenton is the smallest venue, we get the greatest number of people taking part. The event offers a number of options – a serious race for the committed athlete, a shorter race for the fun runner and a walk for those who just wish to participate.

Read news about this project here

Boat Race

The annual December Mini Boat Race is a lively event that draws holidaymakers and families for a fun day out, with proceeds supporting the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute). Participants enter to win prize money awarded to the first three boats that cross the finish line. It’s a fantastic way for the community to come together, enjoy some friendly competition, and support a great cause.

Rotary Golf Day

The Rotary Golf Day is an exciting annual event where participants enjoy a day on the course for a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the event go to Kenton Sees, a local eye clinic dedicated to providing essential eye care services to the community. By joining the Rotary Golf Day, participants help support vision health and make a positive impact on lives in the Kenton area.

Tree of Joy

The Tree of Joy is a heartwarming Rotary initiative that brings the community together to support Huis Diaz, an old age home offering assisted living and frail care, as well as JJ Haven, an orphanage. Through this project, gifts and donations are collected to bring joy and comfort to the residents and children, brightening their lives during the holiday season and showing them they are valued and remembered.

Siya Soup

Siya Soup is a monthly Rotary initiative, in collaboration with St. David’s Anglican Church in Bushmans, dedicated to fighting hunger and promoting environmental responsibility in the community. Each month, around 600 soup packets are prepared, each capable of providing 10 meals—supplying approximately 6,000 meals. In an innovative twist, meals are provided in exchange for a packet of recyclable materials, encouraging recycling and community participation. This meaningful project brings together volunteers to make a tangible difference, offering warmth, nourishment, and environmental awareness to those in need.

Kenton Compost

Kenton Compost is a popular Rotary fundraiser that supports local gardening enthusiasts. Rotary receives dried cow manure compost from a local farmer, which is then sold to the community. This nutrient-rich compost is highly sought after by garden lovers for its quality and effectiveness, making it a go-to product for enhancing soil and growing healthier plants. The proceeds from Kenton Compost help fund various Rotary community projects, benefiting the local area.