At the tender age of 17 Jordan Gertse wants to help others reach their dream.
The youngster, who lives just outside Vredenburg, has big dreams in pursuit of a tennis career, yet financial obstacles to making these a reality remain. Nevertheless, hasn’t let this stop him, knowing quite well that there are other youngsters around the West Coast who shine at various sports who are in the same boat; they lack the finances that would enable them to pursue the opportunities given them.
This prompted Jordan to start a charity called JG Helping Hands this year. It all began with a generous gift from his parents, a Mercedes-Benz A180. Although any teenager would be over the moon to receive such a generous gift, Jordan had a different vision, an act of selflessness.
“Rather than keep the car, I decided to use it as the basis for a raffle,” he said. “My goal is to raise funds to support children in the sports industry, ensuring they do not have to abandon the sports they are passionate about due to financial constraints. This mission led to the founding of JG Helping Hands.”
Jordan explained that as the primary draw it started with the offering of a valuable prize, such as a car or another important object. Each raffle ticket purchased gives the person a chance to win the prize.
The winner is chosen by a random draw after all tickets have been sold or the sales period has ended.
The money raised from ticket sales is then used to provide young athletes with financial support so they can keep playing the sports they love in the face of financial difficulties. By using this raffle JG Helping Hands is able to raise the funds needed to improve the lives of aspiring athletes significantly.
His parents Quinton and Marion Gertse said they were stunned by Jordan’s request, “because what 17-year-old boy would say no to a car?” They concede Jordan’s excellent tennis skills.
He has played internationally and ranked 1 500 in the world, but had to stop last year due to finances. Even though it was not a great feeling to stop his passion, his parents said it makes his heart happy knowing that there are others he can help.
Supporting athletes is really important to Jordan, because he believes it is crucial to provide children the chance to grow as individuals and to play the sports they love on a global scale.
“I consider myself lucky to have had the chance to play tennis abroad, and I think other children ought to have the same opportunity. I have the power to change things, therefore their skill should not be wasted. Young athletes need someone to see their potential and develop it, and I’m determined to be that someone. That is why this mission is so important to me.”
Jordan’s goal is for JG Helping Hands to become the largest sporting organisation in Africa. The organisation aims to support young athletes by supplying them with the necessary equipment and clothing, offering support at matches and facilitating opportunities for them to compete internationally. This comprehensive approach ensures that children have the resources and support they need to thrive in their respective sports.
Should you wish to assist, know more or to support the raffle contact Jordan on 062 955 3734, send an email to info@jghelpinghands.org.za or visit www.jghelpinghands.org.za. It costs R150 per ticket, and you could stand a chance to change lives and walk away with a sleek Mercedes.
