Support a good cause
RIVONIA – Assist the Gauteng Kidney Association by supporting the Big Top Rock show at the Barnyard Theatre on 4 November.
The Gauteng Kidney Association are hosting the Big Top Rock show at the Barnyard Theatre in Rivonia on 4 November and urge the public to attend and assist a good cause.
The volunteer-run association is an NPO which assists with the welfare of less fortunate renal patients of the Gauteng community. They are reliant on sponsorship from the community to continue their work of offering monthly transport subsidies to patients.
Fundraiser for the association, June Giovannoni, began her involvement with the association 25 years ago, when her son, Glenn, was first diagnosed with kidney failure. “While my son did not need assistance from the association, I joined them when I discovered how they were helping others suffering from kidney disease. I believe their work is vital and thought I could assist in making their lives easier,” said Giovannoni.
Her son Glenn was a professional tennis player and struggled with renal failure from age 27. “His zest for life was phenomenal and he never complained or let on about his health issues… We learned so much from Glenn in the way he handled the challenges thrown at him. He taught us what it meant to never give up, appreciate and live each day to the full.”
Giovannoni said Glenn, who lived in Benoni, fought his disease with everything he had, facing challenges head-on without hesitation. Despite receiving a kidney transplant, he soon went back onto dialysis thereafter. In 1995, he won a gold medal when he was chosen to represent South Africa at the World Transplant Games in Manchester. While undergoing dialysis, he continued coaching schoolchildren an introduction to the golf course. Sadly, in April 2014, he passed away.
Giovannoni has, however, still assists the Gauteng Kidney Association, which she believes to be vital for less fortunate renal patients.
The Big Top Rock show is a musical circus production featuring daring, international aerial acts, music and dance routines and is a sequel to the popular Rock Circus concert enjoyed in 2012.
People are encouraged to book tickets to support the show and sponsor tickets for renal failure patients to attend the event.
Details: Tickets cost R185 per person and people may bring their own food or purchase pizza at the event on the night. To book tickets or assist with sponsorship, contact June on 074 559 5500 or email june.g@telkomsa.net
