Join Port Elizabeth and MyPE in congratulating Mover and Shaker, Raymond Weiss from Zoeys little Lamp:
The award for the 2013 overall Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Raymond Weiss at a luncheon this afternoon.
Raymond beat 5 other category winners to be crowned Senior Citizen of the year. Judging criteria included; Contribution to the East Cape Community and South Africa, Voluntary work beyond paid employment, Excellence in the chosen field, An inspirational role model for the EC Community, Clear demonstration of leadership, innovation and creativity taking into consideration the future goals and likely impact as well as the degree of difficulty of the achievement and sacrifices made.
For his spectacular contribution to society Raymond Weiss received a surprise prize when BLG Logistics sponsored a container and office equipment for him to continue his work in the Joe Slovo Settlement.
Raymond Weiss also won a Canon Inkjet photo Printer as the winner of the Community Involvement category for ages 70 to 80. He is 73 years of age and practiced law on a full time basis until 2003. After his retirement Raymond decided to make it his goal to spend his time being involved in doing whatever he could to contribute towards improving the living standards, education and general upliftment of the poor.
He was then introduced to an informal settlement known as Joe Slovo situated on the outskirts of Uitenhage. Raymond and his wife linked up with some locals and started with their work in the area. They were in serious need of a crèche facility, so in 2010 started a crèche today known as Joe Slovo Community Creche – “Zoeys Little Lamp”.
The number of children under their care has increased from 24 to 53 and they operate from 10 containers from which a soup kitchen also feeds approximately 250 children with soup twice a week. A Holiday Club operates during the July holidays to keep the children off the streets. A garden project teaches locals how to plant and grow vegetable and flower gardens and erect fences.
Along with sewing and knitting classes, vocational guidance, hygiene and education the Weiss’ vision is to grow the work and develop a new site, teach various skills and create a model which will encourage others to get involved in similar projects. To date, no financial assistance has been received from the Government or any other State Organisation.
Onee thing that is clear is that “Zoeys little Lamp” is shinning very bright and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Well done Raymond Weiss may your work continue to shine.
Contact SCOTY if you are willing to assist Raymond.
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Alan Straton
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CONGRATULATIONS UNCLE RAY! You deserve all the recognition and accolades.
Thanks Christine – I must say that the SCOTY awards are one of my favourite events to attend and cover.