Dear Rotarians and Friends,
Winston Churchill famously said: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". Thank you for giving.
Rotarian Dr Pietie van Aarde watches as a learner has her eyes tested. Paarl Rotary sponsors the spectacles of hundreds of needy learners every year.
Looking back over our summer months, this is a time of festivity and cheer; a time to give and inspire, but also a time to relax with your family, rethink activities and re-energise for the year ahead. The Wheel of Rotary remains relevant to the same things it stood for 120 years ago, but the Winelands Region is growing rapidly, and so too are the needs in our valley. People trust us to help find solutions.
During January, we were honoured by the visit from our Rotary International President, Francesco Aruzzo at the Devon Valley Hotel in Stellenbosch. In his address he unpacked his theme, UNITE FOR GOOD, as working together with all partners, doing bigger relevant projects over time and engaging with newer generations who feel the change. Our club is undoubtedly doing the right things.
Our work on projects gained strong momentum. Following the screenings and eye tests at three local schools, the final rollout of glasses for this year was made to Hillcrest Primary learners. This has been a big contribution towards improving young lives. During November our Rotarians also supported the Afrikaans100 celebrations at the Paarl Monument with our municipality and local business chamber.
The branded soccer jerseys were rolled out to the Langabuya learners and our Charleston Hill learners practised the art and joy of giving by sharing cheer packets at Rusthof Old Age Home. Our team also distributed food and toiletries at Rusthof, adult diapers to the Association of the Physically Disabled, children’s clothing hampers at NORSA, books to the LEAP science and maths schools and we participated in the nappy drive at the park run. All of this was deeply appreciated.
We attended an excellent Paarl Youth Initiative prizegiving and our quarterly project visit on 18 November 2025 was to Heart NPO. This is a Paarl-based non-profit organization (established in 2018) that supports vulnerable communities in the Drakenstein area through food security, addiction recovery support, and skills development. The visit was very well attended.
Our club also delivered an excellent presentation of the Labyrinth Circle programme at a Wynberg Rotary meeting at WPCC. Rotary Clubs from Cape Town and Bellville were in attendance and plan to initiate training sessions for Dementia carers.
Our Cataract Project team have been working hard to find a local solution to the operations that had previously been provided by opthalmologists from Belgium. A pilot project is being planned as input to a potential Global Grant. We also have a new project for cervical cancer vaccinations that aligns perfectly with a Rotary International focus. Our team have linked up with local Health Department authorities to promote the rollout campaign and create awareness in private schools. Our club also contributed towards the Polio Plus Foundation to eradicate polio worldwide. We are proud of these long-term initiatives in the health space.
A standout highlight was the 2026 Rhodes Quality Winelands Cycle Race in January, superbly executed and widely praised. This flagship event not only delivered meaningful funds but also showcased Rotary Paarl’s organisational strength, teamwork, and public image at its best. We are very appreciative of our partnership with our main sponsor, Rhodes Quality. Their sponsorship and professionalism has helped us to take this event to the next level. Partnerships give us this ability to scale. Our marshalling team also pitched up in full volunteering force in Rondebosch for the annual Cape Town Marathon, but sadly the 2025 race was cancelled due to gale-force winds.
Our Youth portfolio continues to grow. The big news is that we have now officially chartered our first Rotaract Club. They have established their Board, are having regular well-officiated meetings, they have set up a social media presence and have already engaged in projects. They have lent a hand in cleanup operations at Amado animal-assisted therapy, set up a clothing drive and are coordinating a Valentine’s Day cookie sale fundraiser. Watch this space.
Culture is the way we get things done; Fellowship is the glue that binds us together. The highlight was probably the Year-end braai and line-dancing function held at the Paarl Round Table hall. This event was exceptionally well attended and enjoyed by all. Rotarians also attended the Rotary Club of Riebeeck Valley Long Table fundraiser, the Rotary Club of Worcester Golf Day fundraiser, the Rotary Club of Constantia Carols by Candlelight fundraiser, the Stony Brook wine tasting and a visit to our Paarl Lions Club. We had fun and formed new friendships. Great news is that the Paarl Rotary Wine Fellowship has also recently been formed – please join if you love a good glass of wine and great company.
Sadly, we have also lost some dear friends. We have said goodbye to Idalette Jacobs, JC Loubser, Brian O’Grady and Marlo’s mother in recent times. We miss them dearly and are reminded that nothing lasts forever and that we are all just playing our part in the circle of life. May their light always shine brightly through our actions.
Please stay connected, be present, understand your role and enjoy the journey.
ROCKSOLID and UNITED FOR GOOD.
Warm Rotary regards,
Pierre Botha Club (Club President)
Paarl Rotary's golf team supported the Worcester Rotary golf day. From left are Leon Serfontein, Pierre Botha, Vernon Els and Steyn Pienaar.
Paarl Rotarians enjoy the festive long table hosted by the Riebeek Valley Rotarians.