Car Wash Fundraiser a Resounding Success

The St Lucia Community pulled together this weekend in an attempt to raise funds for fellow resident, Anthony Swatton, who was severely injured when attacked by a hippo on his property in Hornbill Street last month.

Warm weather in the heart of winter guaranteed happy volunteers manning the car wash, which went down a treat amongst residents and visitors alike on Friday and Saturday.  And, talking of treats, the boerewors rolls, cupcakes and other tasty morsels on sale ensured full stomachs for the public and added to the funds raised for Anthony Swatton who remains critical yet stable.

Congratulations to Candace Edgar and her group of volunteers who managed to create a carnival-like atmosphere in St Lucia during this successful fundraising drive.  Although St Lucia didn't win this years Town of the Year competition, this weekend has shown that the St Lucia Community bands together in times of need.

For further information on supporting this cause, contact Candace Edgar on   candace.edgar15@gmail.com or 071 317 9069.

Town of the Year 2012: Sabie

Congratulations to Sabie for winning the 2012 Dorp van die Jaar/Town of the Year competition run by Kwela and Rapport.

Results were tallied and released today, 12 August, revealing 71 902 votes for Sabie while St Lucia came in second-to-last with 8006 votes.  The full outcome is as follows:

Sabie: 71 902

Lady Grey: 64 677

Prins Albert: 62 759

Clarens: 49 184

Walvisbaai: 47 643

Schweizer-Reneke: 14 680

Hoedspruit: 11 794

St. Lucia: 8 006

Kathu: 7 386

 

While it is unfortunate that St Lucia is, once again, unable to 'wear the badge' of SA's Town of the Year, there's always next year to try again.

 

Community Action for Survivor of Hippo Attack

A larger file of this poster can be downloaded from https://dl.dropbox.com/u/25478279/Car%20wash%20fund%20raiser.pdf 

Letter sent in by Candace Edgar:

Anthony Swatton was involved in an unfortunate hippo attack on the eve of July 12th. He sustained serious injuries, which resulted in the loss of his left leg. However, since the start he has been fighting for his life in ICU. At the present time he is considered critical yet stable.

As a community we would like to show our support towards Anthony and his family and there are many ways to do this:

• Enjoy a cup of coffee and share stories with the family,
• Assist with supplies, hospital trips etc.

There is also a financial need in order for Anthony to recover fully and for the family to endure the long road ahead.
Already a 'Car Wash' fundraiser has been organized for the 10th & 11th of August.

This can't be done alone, but as a town we can achieve whatever we aim for. Together we can make a difference!
I hear you say: 'How can you help?' Several ways:

• Spread the news, chat with your neighbours, fishing buddies, business colleagues etc.
• Print the flyers and display in your business; also forward this email to everyone in the area
• Donate:
• Cash, for the family and for the event (expenses)
• Coins, drop off at assigned locations (Spar, Heritage tours office, Advantage Info office)
• Volunteer, we need help during the event & help during the next few days in order to get organized
• Printing
• We need to print flyers and make posters, who is willing to donate paper and colored ink?
• Poster Board, coloured markers
• Supplies
• Fold out tables, chairs, ice coolers, Skottels, buckets, sponges, towels, vacumn cleaners/dust busters (for cleaning inside)
• Food
• Ice, sandwiches, water, cold drinks - for volunteers
• Donations of Boerewors, bread rolls, tomato sauce, mustard - to sell
• Homemade baked goods (breads, muffins, pies etc) - to sell
• Donate:
• Cash, for the family and for the event (expenses)
• Coins, drop off at assigned locations (Spar, Heritage tours office, Advantage Info office) 

And of course, a fun attitude and generous heart is required! Please email me at candace.edgar15@gmail.com or phone 071 317 9069 to tell me how you are able to help.

Cape Vidal Beach Washed Away

Photo:  Dennis King

 It is thought that the combination of strong currents, high spring tides and strong south westerly winds caused Cape Vidal beach to wash away, as photographed on Wednesday 2 August.  The result is a 2 - 3 metre drop to the water - a dramatic change to one of KZN's iconic beaches and favourite holiday destinations.  Only time will tell how quickly the beach re-establishes itself.

Dorp van die Jaar / Town of the Year 2012

After winning the provincial round of this competition earlier in the year, St Lucia once again requires your vote in order to win the final round of Dorp van die Jaar / Town of the Year 2012.

Voting lines opened on the 29th of July and will close on the 6th of August.  SMS the word LUCIA to 33157 if you love St Lucia enough for our town to win.  Voters need not live in the town for which they vote and votes are not limited to one per person.

St Lucia is up against Prince Albert, Sabie, Hoedspruit, Kathu, Lady Grey, Clarens and Walvis Bay in this, the final round of the competition.  This is the second time that St Lucia has made it to the finals of this competition, however, in 2010, after being crowned KZN's Town of the Year, St Lucia failed to clinch the title of South African Town of the Year.  Let's change that this year by casting as many votes as possible and by recruiting as many friends and family members as possible to cast their votes too.

Fish Eagle taken from one of the many boat tours on St Lucia Estuary.  Photo: Patrick Jolly

St Lucians know that our unique town is the best in South Africa, so let's make sure the rest of the country realises it too!

KZN Wildlife Employee Remanded in Custody - No Bail

The KZN Wildlife employee who was arrested in connection with rhino poaching will remain behind bars until his case is heard at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on 2 August.

St Lucia Hippo Captured and Removed

The bull hippo thought to have been responsible for biting Anthony Swatton on Thursday, 12 July, was captured and removed after re-entering Swatton's premises on Sunday.