So our 2020 activities are officially on course. The Drak Challenge was a serious way to kick us into action!!
Staff members and residents once again demonstrated a high level of dedication and commitment. Day one of the event, Saturday 1 February was always going to be a tough one. We went and set up by the Umzimkhulu Bridge just outside Underberg, where other vendors where gathered. As usual, our task was to make those famous pancakes. Organizers also requested that we sell Cool Drinks and water at our table. Given that we also had an Ice cream stall to attend to (on behalf of the Sani Spoor), we needed to have quite a team at our disposal.
Down by the river, we had a relatively quiet morning. The afternoon turned into a scorcher with temperatures hitting 30. This drove people to our tables for cold drinks and water. Demand for pancakes was not so great up to that point. However, there was enough activity to keep residents engaged and busy, until around 2 pm when we had to go and set up at the Country club for the rest of the day. There we continued to be kept busy as people flocked in for the FNB Drak Music show. Residents enjoy interacting with people, and it is always a huge take away to watch them as they serve with pride. Those quick “thank you” tags and compliments from customers helped to fuel their energy levels, and they remarkably stuck to their tasks. We broke camp at around 22:20 and headed back home to regroup for day 2.
Exhibiting amazing enthusiasm, the residents where up and ready for Day 2 early on Sunday morning, and by 7:30 am, we had left Pevensey for the Umzimkhulu River Lodge. As the morning grew into the afternoon, the heat descended. Defiantly, the team carried on in cheerful fashion, until just before the announcement of the final results of the Canoe race, when our cool drink and water stocks sold out! Soon after that, all our batter was used, and, brimming with satisfaction, we packed our gadgets and tables, to make our return to base. Physically drained, we found our solace in the knowledge that this had been a weekend well spent. The organizers, in asking us to also sell cold drinks and water, broadened our product range and we are so grateful. Any additional ways to make funds that will make a difference in the lives of our residents will be received with open arms. And in the face of any heat, or long hours, we are prepared to stand in defiance!
Special thanks to N3TC for donating the lovely red shirts which fittingly made us look and feel like the Red Army that we were.
