GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Aalwynhof resident Piet Vers likes to keep himself busy. Two years ago he started making small wooden crosses, with the hope of selling them to raise funds for the home.

This innovative craftsman used the dead wood from an old palm tree in the grounds of the home, adding a leather thong to some, and painting others in bright colours. "I can make four or five in a day," he said proudly.

Reaching out to the community, manager Nico Kemp and chairperson of the board, Diane Nel, decided to donate a box of the crosses to the local Uniting Reformed Church (VGK), one of the largest congregations in Aberdeen.

"We have almost 600 members, including about 130 children," explained church elder Bettie Saaiman. On Monday, Vers presented Saaiman with 150 crosses, which will be given to the children at a special service, before Christmas.

Aalwynhof is delighted to support such a vibrant and growing church, and hope that in turn, members of the church will support the work of Aalwynhof.

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