The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund – fondly known as rugby’s caring hands – celebrated Women’s Day by honouring all the women that play a role not only within SA Rugby, but also in partner charities and organisations.
Over 100 women attended the event in Claremont on Thursday 11 August where the work of not only the Players’ Fund was showcased, but also that of Gift of the Givers, an aid organisation started 30 years ago by Dr Imtiaaz Sooliman and his wife Zohra.
Speaking at the event, Zohra described how there were times over the years when the couple thought they would have to sell their humble two-bedroom home and give up the work they were doing as they struggled to feed and raise their five children.
But, she continued, somebody always came to the rescue and the organisation continued to grow into the internationally recognised institution it is today.
Formerly a kindergarten teacher, Zohra says she has always prioritised the mental health and wellness of people in disadvantaged and needy communities, which is why she insisted that an important part of Gift of the Givers’ work would be the call centre that operates 24/7 and is run by a team of over 20 volunteers.
Reflecting on what she’s gained from her journey with the organisation, she says: “You learn appreciation; you learn humility; and I think the biggest thing of all you learn, is that beyond the colour of our skin, beyond the country that we live in, beyond the religions that we follow, beyond the political parties that we support, beneath all of that, we are one single human race.”
In recognition of the work done by Gift of the Givers, the Players’ Fund handed over a cheque for R3 000 to Zohra.
The Players’ Fund was started in 1980 and is the official charity of the Springboks.
The body, whose chair is former Stormers and Bok captain Jean de Villiers, has recently moved into the SA Rugby offices in Plattekloof.