The SA Rugby Legends ended their 2011 campaign on a special and emotional note when they travelled to Cato Ridge to hand out Christmas Presents collected at the Annual Christmas Ex Sharks Players Association luncheon recently to the happy children of God’s Golden Acre orphanage founded by a truly wonderful lady and her famous sculptor husband - Heather and Patrick Reynolds. The institution was introduced to the Legends by former Natal flanker Peter Edmunds who has been helping Heather with property matters and it certainly was a huge privilege for the group to have visited this very special place.

Led by former Bok hooker John Allan, the group converged on the beautiful country setting . Pieter Muller, Peter Edmunds, Wayne Fyvie together with Andile Nyembezi, Samantha Bufe, Carla Viglietti, Terence Chapman, Chardonnay Muller and their camera lady Lisle were welcomed with an impromptu concert with the children entertaining them with their golden voices singing in incredible harmony. This was indeed the true indication of just how naturally talented young African voices are and just how blessed they are with the gift of uninhibited rhythm - truly a special experience.

Andile was in fine fettle with the handing out of the gifts with Pieter and daughter Chardonnay and the smiles on the children’s faces was that of great warmth and appreciation and a good time was had by all. There was also a very special moment for young Kwalela Zulu who played in the Maritzburg College’s unbeaten Under 15 ‘A’ side this year when he met Wayne Fyvie, John Allan and Pieter Muller.

What of Gods Golden Acre - well the facility is under major pressure at the moment and if they don’t get assistance pretty soon they could be closed by the end of January 2012. Heather explained that she has started THE R50 FUND hoping to sign 3000 people to contribute R50 a month for one year to help them through their crisis. Heather, a truly remarkable woman further advised that her website has just been launched www.godsgoldenacre.org and should anyone want to help to please email Heather at heather@godsgoldenacre.org

Heathers biography penned by Dale le Vlak is certainly the inspirational story of one woman’s fight for some of the world’s most vulnerable Aids orphans - indeed a modern day saint and John Allan’s closing words about making ones dream a reality was a special message to a very special lady and wonderful group of young children in such need of love and care.

HERE’S WISHING HEATHER EVERY SUCCESS IN HER ENDEAVOURS TO KEEP THIS VERY SPECIAL ORPHANAGE UP AND RUNNING so should you want to help don’t hesitate to contact Heather at 082-200 4047.

Thanks again to all the ex Sharks players and friends of ESPA( Ex Sharks Players Association) who kindly contributed towards the presents for the children at our last luncheon. The smiles on their faces was heart-warming!

By: Jos Robson