Charles kept working, despite a progressive disease, because he had no pension to fall back on. The community that saw him has changed everything, in the best way possible.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (04 September 2026) – Retirement was never an option for Charles. Like so many South Africans, the longtime Stellenbosch District Riding Club worker had no pension or retirement fund waiting for him.
So, even as he got older and Parkinson’s disease began making everyday work harder, he kept clocking in. For 10 years, Charles has been the helping hand wherever one was needed at the local riding club.
“He has opened countless gates, carried equipment, helped set up arenas, lent a hand whenever needed, and greeted everyone with his warm smile and gentle nature. He has quietly become part of the heart of our club.” the riding club shared.
But Parkinson’s is progressive, and eventually determination could no longer make up for what the disease was taking from him physically. Walking became more difficult and, during stressful moments, Charles could sometimes freeze up completely.
“Sadly, the disease has now progressed to the point where he simply cannot continue. Walking has become extremely difficult, and in stressful situations his body freezes completely. Recently, while working near a galloping horse, Charles froze between the horse and a gate. Thankfully no one was injured, but it was a heartbreaking reminder that continuing to work is no longer safe for him or for those around him.”
That incident made it painfully clear that carrying on was no longer safe. Charles had spent so many years helping everyone else, but now needed some help himself.
His son had committed to caring for him, but retirement would still bring the cost of medication, medical care and everyday living expenses. Without a financial safety net, the riding club knew that simply sending Charles home would never be enough.
So, the community did what communities do best when one of their own needs looking after. The riding club put out a call asking members, riders, friends and anyone whose path had crossed Charles’ over the years to help build him the retirement fund he had never had the chance to build for himself.
“Our dream is to raise enough money through BackaBuddy to provide Charles with a meaningful retirement fund – one that will allow him to face the future with a little less worry and a lot of dignity.” the riding club shared.
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Community Kindness Brings Joy and a Whole New World of Learning to Children in MamelodiDonations started coming in. Riders, families and friends of the club contributed what they could. Locals set up campaigns to help with donations. A Spring derby was held in support of Charles. In just two months, the response has been rather wonderful. Together, more than R50,000 has been raised.
Then came another piece of incredible news that made Charles’ retirement look drastically different from the uncertain one he first faced…
The riding club has confirmed that he has now been welcomed into Vrederus, a retirement home in Villiersdorp, where he will have somewhere to live and access to the care he needs.
“A special shout out to Izel Botha from SANESA Winelands for helping us find him somewhere to live and receive the care he needs.” the club shared in the happy update.
The funds raised by the community will allow the riding club to transfer R2000 to Charles every month to help with his expenses and care.
“We are so grateful to have a community like SDRC that will help one of our staff when they need it most…” the club shared.
Retirement wasn’t something Charles could afford to think about, ever. A incredibly special community has changed that.
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