FINANCING

Fundraising, bequests, donations and the sale of usufruct rights made it possible to finance the project without any state assistance. Ongoing repair and maintenance costs are covered by interest earned on Lions Club donations, as well as by monthly contributions from residents.

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FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES

Over the years, a wide variety of creative and community-based fundraising activities were organised to support the development of the Old Age Home.

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One of the earliest initiatives involved dismantling the old wooden changing rooms that once stood at the seafront, where the swimming pool is located today. The salvaged materials were used to build a home for the Boy Scouts behind the brewery’s storage room, in an area now occupied by the Municipal Bungalows.

Open-air dances were held at the site of the present museum, and treasure hunts were organised along the beach. Catering quickly became one of the main sources of income, with services provided at horse and motorcar races, vehicle promotions at Vogelfederberg, the opening of the tar road between Swakopmund and Usakos, the inauguration of the bridge over the Swakop River, and the planting of the replica cross at Cape Cross.

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The Club also catered for weddings, cocktail functions for the Municipality and Administrators, and teachers’ congresses. Special events included the final train trip along the beach to Walvis Bay, catering for cruise ship passengers at the Grosser Baum, fish braais for Dunes 95, and braais for German turkey breeders. A beer tent was operated when the German singer Heino performed in Swakopmund, and Erbsensuppe (pea soup) was sold at the Knobelmeisterschaft in Wilhelmstal.

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Additional fundraising efforts included beer festivals, Frühschoppen gatherings, and twelve theatre productions for adult audiences. In 1967, the first edition of the book Das Alte Swakopmund was published, followed by a second and third edition, which also contributed to fundraising efforts.

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In later years, bar service at the annual Carnival became one of the most important fundraising activities, alongside participation in the yearly Christmas Market. Golf Days and monthly bratwurst sales rounded off the programme. More recently, participation in the Christmas Market was discontinued in favour of supporting Ehafo, which proved more successful as a fundraising initiative.

 

SERVICE ACTIVITIES

Service to the elderly has always been a priority. Assistance was provided for essential needs such as spectacles, dentures and, in some cases, funeral expenses. Before the tar road link was completed, hostel children were transported to and from the railway station at all hours, regardless of arrival time. A Blood Bank was established and continues to receive support. Equipment was donated to the Marie Douglas Heim, and an incubator was provided to the Elizabeth Heim in Windhoek.

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A radio control system was donated and maintained at the local hospital to enable communication with ambulances. A glucometer was donated to the Johanniter Orden. Blind children from Worcester were accommodated locally, and a bazaar was organised in aid of the Red Cross maternity home. A trophy was sponsored for the best netball teams from schools in Swakopmund, Usakos, Omaruru and Karibib.

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Support was also given to less privileged children through assistance with train fares, school and youth movement uniforms, and educational trips. Some children were sent to “Veld n Vlei”, while others were supported to travel to Cape Town. Easter eggs were donated to senior citizens from Windhoek visiting Swakopmund, and local schools received funding for prize-giving ceremonies to purchase books for pupils. An art competition was held over three consecutive years, with prize money awarded to both learners and their schools. Annual Advent coffee gatherings and Christmas dinners at the Old Age Home became permanent service activities. In 1968, the Club became involved with SOS Children’s Village in Swakopmund, although this involvement later ended due to circumstances beyond the Club’s control.

 

On Independence Day in 1990, a Baby Flag was donated to the new hospital, although the first baby arrived only three days later. The children’s playground in Mondesa, built by the Lions in 1961, remains another lasting contribution. Other community organisations, including Johanniter and the Cancer Association, also received financial support. Erich Wannenmacher of Erich’s Restaurant prepared meals for residents in the Old Age Home kitchen on two occasions, with the Club covering half of the meal costs.

 

Further support was given to Mel Chester’s Soup Kitchen in Mondesa, CHAIN, and Saal 6 (a support group at the State Hospital Frail Care Centre). Two nurses were sponsored with flights to Johannesburg to attend professional seminars.

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At national and international level, assistance was provided to the Namibia Relief Fund (established for disaster response), as well as to the global Campaign Sight First and Campaign Sight First II, aimed at preventing blindness worldwide. Ongoing support was also given to the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). In recent years, eye testing has been provided for all Grade One learners and will continue into the future. An ablution block in the DRC area of Swakopmund was funded by the Lions at a cost of N$17,000, and N$10,000 was donated to the Mahetago Community Centre.

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Key Milestones and Management History (1985–2007)