Almost no Milnerton resident can say they haven’t heard of Maisie Fisher, a woman who has spent most of her life helping the community’s needy.
The retired Milnerton resident saw three of her children grow up at Milnerton High School, where she served on the group of trustees in the late 1980s and early 1990’s.
She also served with the Milnerton Lions for 31 years. So it was hardly surprising that Ms Fisher decided to celebrate her 70th birthday by giving back to others.
“I am turning 70 and I said to my husband, ‘How can I go spend money on food and drinks for people who have enough, when there are children going to school without food?’”
So she spoke to Milnerton High School principal Paul Besener about how she could use her birthday to contribute to a feeding programme the school is running.
“There are many more young people who arrive at school hungry, resulting in poor concentration and inability to work,” said Mr Besener.
It’s a problem that the school’s Interact club and Cross Connection Society both decided to do something about, making sure that pupils who leave home without breakfast get something to eat.
“At the moment, the project is sponsored by the teachers and a few parents,” said Mr Besener, but they want to expand it to benefit the wider community with help from the Table View and Merriman Lions clubs.
So they decided to host a 7km fun walk on Saturday November 26 to raise money for the food project, while celebrating Ms Fisher’s birthday at the same time.
Donations received at the fun walk came pouring in and young and old alike joined Ms Fisher as she took part… in her wheelchair.
“It was great fun and was more about the fun than the money. We continually do big drives and have outreach programmes to help those at our school because charity starts at home,” said Mr Besener.
Ms Fisher wasn’t able to do the full 7km, but nevertheless said she had had a great day meeting new people.
“Young kids were walking and couples, as well as older people who couldn’t complete the walk showed their support. We did better than we thought we would, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of people. We’re still waiting for more money to come in but we made about R8 000 to R10 000. I am so grateful to those who supported,” she said.
“Whether you’re seven or 70, there is nothing stopping you from doing something for your community. I want to encourage people to get involved.”
Call Milnerton High School at 021 551 2217 and ask to speak to Angela Snyman, to find out more about the food project.