Cape Coast News Reporting
HOPEFIELD: – The management of “West Coast Sports Solutions NPO” (WCSS) from Hopefield would like to extend our sincere gratitude to” Karen Buynes Reynolds”, owner of the beautiful guesthouse “50 on Vic” in Hopefield.
She approached our organisation herself with the wonderful idea to treat children aged 5 to 15 over three days in her swimming pool.
More than “30 children” each day received the opportunity of a lifetime to swim and play freely in the refreshing pool during the scorching West Coast summer heat, with no time restrictions.
“It was three days filled with laughter, splashing, and pure joy!”
A special thank you also goes to:
– “Julies Taxi Services”, who transported the children to and from the pool daily at their own essence, ensuring they were safely dropped off at home.
– “Dexter Farao, Howard James, and Henrietta Hugo Erasmus”, who served as lifeguards and supervisors to keep everyone safe. Henrietta, a teacher at Hopefield Primary School, even joined the children in the water all three days!
– Three parents from the community, Elizabeth, Drusilla and Mandy together with Karen Reynolds, who spoiled and motivated the children with delicious treats, food, and cold drinks to beat the heat.
– “Melt Smith”, owner of “Spar Hopefield”, who provided everything we requested for two days. The donation trolley in the store was overflowing, thanks to the big hearts of the public!
– “Essie and Tyrone Poole” from “Hopefield Abattoir”, who immediately contributed without hesitation to help feed the children.
– A local Pakistani café, which also generously donated without any hesitation.
This three-day treat was just the beginning, we want to keep children actively engaged, so they look forward to attending school and realising their dreams.
Since 2019, WCSS has been advocating for a public swimming pool in Hopefield. Currently, our children swim in the Salt River that runs through the town, water that stagnates in summer, becoming foul-smelling and unhygienic. Hopefield is one of the hottest towns on the West Coast, and the river pools are surrounded by dry reeds where cobra snakes (which are abundant here) hide. It is simply not safe.
In 2020, we sent an official letter to the Saldanha Bay Municipality requesting collaboration, but we were reliably informed that the letter was “deleted” before it could reach the council chamber for discussion.
“We are not giving up!”
WCSS is determined to make a swimming pool a reality this year for our vulnerable, underprivileged children. Fundraising efforts are already underway, and cooperation from the Saldanha Bay Municipality will be crucial to turning this dream into reality.
“Special Announcement: 16 May 2026 – A Major Fundraising Day!”
On 16 May, our founder celebrates his “70th birthday”, and we are turning it into a festive day to raise funds for the Hopefield swimming pool!
The programmer includes:
“07:00 – 7 km Fun Run / Walk”
A relaxed 7 km route through Hopefield for runners and walkers of all ages. Come enjoy the morning air and support the cause!
” 09:00 – 70-metre Race for 70-Year-Olds”
Our founder is the official “challenger”! All those aged 70 and over are invited to race against him over 70 metres.
“Laughter, fun, and plenty of applause guaranteed!”
“10:00 – Teams of 3 Wheelchair Relay Race”
Teams of 3 wheelchair users compete in an exciting relay. Important: All pushers (those pushing the wheelchairs) must be 60 years or older! Any age in wheelchair, and everyone will get a a medal…!
Come show that our uncles and aunties are still speedy!
Throughout the day, there will be stalls, music, jumping castles for kids, and delicious food and drinks.
“Every cent will go directly to the swimming pool fund.
“Parents and Community Members of Hopefield – Please Step Forward!”
Make yourselves available to expose children and youth to positive programmes.
Together, we can ensure our children have safe, healthy, and uplifting activities.
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Let’s make 2026 the year Hopefield’s children finally get their own swimming pool! 💙💦
For more information or to sponsor/donate: WhatsApp George April at cell: 067 074 5040” or email: admin@wcsportssolutions.co.za)
