Making a difference

She might be retired but Connie Haskell (photo) is not one to leisurely sit at home. When her husband was assigned for one last contract at the Medupi power station project before his own retirement, she decided to make the best of her time in Lephalale.
Connie wanted to make a difference in the community so she started a rape kit project to provide rape victims with clean clothing and other necessities to help them through their trauma. Connie later organised a golf day for The Fold children’s home to raise funds for the orphans.
She also got involved with the Lephalale Business Forum where she learnt about Bushveld mission in Vaalwater and Phetogo Drop-in centre in Seleka. When visiting these establishments she realised that she could use the contacts she made at the Business Forum to help better the lives of the children cared for at the orphanage and day care centre.
Last Thursday, Connie invited Caroline Gordon, the director of Phetogo Drop-in centre and Pastor Marne Leonard, acting caregiver at the Bushveld missions orphanage, to an event at the Palm Park Hotel where she presented them with items sponsored by Plastic Box and Game in Lephalale. Hi-Q sponsored old tires and Reclaim sponsored material to build a playground for the children at Phetogo. With her husband’s contract ending this month Connie will return home knowing that her stay in Lephalale has indeed touched the lives of many here.