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Orion Receives
Prestigious Champion Award 2011 Orion received the coveted National Disability Champion Award at INSETA's (Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority) annual disability awards ceremony held in Johannesburg on Friday, 2 December. With more than 3 000 disabled people having passed through Orion's doors since its inception in 1982, the organisation is devoted to caring and providing for the educational, training and therapeutic needs of children, youth and adults with physical, intellectual and mental disabilities. This great honour bestowed on us would not have happened without our committed staff members who have left no stone unturned to empower the disabled to realise their full potential in society. |
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Orion goes "bolly"
when event raises a whopping R400
000! In spite of 2011 being one of the toughest years ever to raise funds for welfare organisations, guests at the Orion annual gala generously opened their hearts and wallets, making it the most successful event ever to be hosted by our organisation. It cannot be argued that most NPO’s will find it hard to continue without the financial support of businesses and the public. Fifteen stunning paintings done by our disabled artists, were sold for a record amount of R196 000 at the event that was held on Saturday, 22 October, in Cape Town. From left to right at the Orion Bollywood event: Suretha Olivier (MondiPak), Lizelle Van Wyk (CEO at Orion), Francis Carruthers, MD at Lesedi Nuclear Services with the painting which Lesedi/Areva purchased for R130 000, Anchen Myburgh-Creighton (Bokomo Foods) and Jauline Papier (MondiPak). Thank you very, very much to all our patrons and guests - your investment in us take people from their limitations to possibilities! |
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Lions Club -
Tableview - fell in love with Orion! If they're not planting trees, or giving teddy bears, clothing and food items, they just love spending time with our children! Liz Wilkie (President) and your team, you are all true angels and we value you... |
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British Lodge and
District Grand Lodge Donate
Generously to Orion On Saturday, 27 August 2011, a generous donation of R107 000 was handed over to Orion by Anthony Sayers, the worshipful master of the British Lodge, the Assistant Grand Master of English Freemasonry, David Kenneth Williamson, and the District Grand Master, Jim Duggan at the 2011 Masonic Ball hosted at Kelvin Grove. The grand affair formed part of the world wide festivities in celebration of their 200 year anniversary. We want to commend those who work tirelessly to raise funds for worthy projects such as Orion, elevating people from their limitations to possibilities. The donation was arranged for Orion by the District Grand Lodge of SA, Western Division. Thank you, Jim, for recommending Orion once again, it is much appreciated. The funds will be used to upgrade the group homes and semi-frail care home. |
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Orion is so proud
of Lucas Sithole Lucas was honoured with the Sportsman of the Year Award for 2011 on SABC1, Sunday evening. Lucas committed to carry the cost of his air ticket to attend the Orion Gala Dinner on 22 October 2011 at the Souther Sun, Cape Town. He will also visit Orion during the same week to meet all the children and residents. Welcome on board Lucas!!!! |
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Orion's Physio
Therapy student honoured Laura De Wet was honoured when invited to become part of the "Golden Key International Honour Society" which gives recognition to the top 15% of universities in South Africa and various other countries. Laura was the top student chosen by the Solstice Foundation team who sponsors her studies to live her dream to become a physio therapist. Laura is planning to work at Wilge Special Day Care after completing her studies. We are proud of you, Laura, good luck with the studies! |
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Franchen gives her
67 minutes to wilge Today is Nelson Mandela's 93rd birthday and in the spirit of sharing and demonstrating care, many volunteers joined various special projects all over our country to carry forth Mandela's wish to spread goodwill. 10-year old Franchen Nel from Goodwood Park Primary chose to spend some creative time with our Wilge's children by bringing along her "handmade cards" project. Well done, Franchen, you are an inspiration to us all! |
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Meeting Lucas
Sithole What an unforgettable moment it was to meet Lucas Sithole, SA and world tennis champion. Lucas lost three of his limbs in a train accident a few years ago. However, he chose to rise above his very unfortunate circumstances and live his dreams. Lucas will be our guest of honour at this year's gala event, sharing his story of mind-blowing courage in overcoming his challenges. He left yesterday for the UK tournament and will represent SA in New York during September. Knock them over, Lucas!! |
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Orion reaches
out to schools As part of the Community Development Projects, it was decided to focus on the youngsters of Atlantis. The purpose of the project is to build relationships between scholars and our children and trainees faced with overcoming the everyday challenges of living with multiple disabilities. The overwhelming positive response is encouraging. New friendships are born every time when they visit and a much greater understanding develops when spending quality time together. This campaign is reaching its goal, viz. to raise awareness and break down stigmatisation and victimisation against the disabled. |
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Welcome to our
new volunteers at wilge special care It is always a great experience to welcome new volunteers on board. This time, Janet Carruthers - wife of Frances Carruthers, Lesedi Nuclear Services - surprised us by bringing her friends, Liz Hucks and Annie Surkont, from Lion's Club along. Our "Golden Girls" are inspired and energised to share their years of experience and expertise in the field of educating children with special needs with our Wilge team. Thank you, we appreciate you! |
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Wilge
celebrates Easter with Lesedi What a great way to start Easter surrounded with wonderful friends from Lesedi Nuclear Services, a healthy meal and Easter eggs! Shane Pereira and his colleagues visited Wilge just before the long week-end started.The children had such a good, fun-filled time. Wishing all our friends and family a blessed Easter time. |
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Welcome to the
Orion friendship circle, Edith
Venter It was a great privilege to meet with Edith Venter, one of South Africa's most successful fundraising and exclusive event organizers. Edith is an inspiring lady, filled with zest and zeal to make the world a better place. She comes with tons of experience and great ideas, inspiring us to reach for the stars. Welcome on board, Edith! |
