P
at’s Line Dancers is a group of
130 very special dancers who
come from Cape Town in South
Africa. Pat Roberts says: “Once
a year, I seek out deserving
charities and I ask my dancers for ideas.
This year, one of my Line dancer who has
a daughter with disabilities recommended
SA Riding.” The organisation provides
horse riding lessons for over 200 children
from disadvantaged backgrounds with
various disabilities. Pat also chose to
raise funds for a group of youngsters
chosen to participate in the world hip Hop
championships in Las Vegas.
Pat says: “We have so many worthwhile
organisations to choose from and it is always
diffi cult but I will never forget the moment
we saw those children in wheelchairs and
cots.” She adds: “To see the excitement in
their eyes at the sight of the cuddly toys
we had brought with us moved us to tears Pat’s Line dancers are actually devoted to organisation that provides free therapeutic
and I instantly knew we had made the right charity work and often collect for various horse riding for children with disabilities.
decision.” It takes a very special group and good causes. They also spend some time As the running costs are about R300.00
a very special person to pull off this kind with old folks doing demos to give them each year any help is gratefully accepted.
of occasion and Pat’s Line dancers had no some light relief. Pat says: “They love
problem making it a day to remember. tapping their feet and clapping their hands, Pat and her dancers motivation is quite
they do love to watch us dance!” simple. The pay off is simply to see small
The afternoon was fi lled with a great sense of happy children who in spite of their
fun and as the dancers knew they only had a Pat herself is a keen Line dancer who fell disabilities have a fun afternoon. For once,
few hours to bring a lot of joy and happiness to in love with Line dance some years ago and society allows us to be simply children. Pat
those little children, they really went to town! after joining a class she admits to “never says: “This is what gives my group a sense
Pat says proudly: “We are dancers that do looking back”. 1999 was a turning point as of achievement when the day is over. We
things with a great smile and generous hearts. her group had risen to 120 dancers and she left feeling that at least a bit of cheer and
We had quite a few surprises for them!” The says:” My dancers are very varied. All ages Christmas Joy had been given to them, if
group’s special brand of generosity was never (eldest dancer is 83) and all backgrounds are only for a few hours.”
more in evidence than when the children welcome.” To Pat like many, the emphasis of
realised that everyone had brought a special her class is to have pure, unadulterated fun. Everybody needs a break every so often
gift for them. Dolls, cars, teddies, colouring She says: “Play us any music, modern or and for those children whose parents never
books, crayons, games, clothes, all kind were country, we’re up for it…Just let us have return again, Pat and her Line dancers must
given. Pat says: “And you know what? We still a laugh!” have seemed like angels. And that has to be
have some toys left over that we will give worth all the effort.
away around Christmas time. There are many The money raised that day was R5000.00
orphanages and homes here, nothing will and was equally distributed between the If you want to help any of the people
be wasted.” youngsters and their dance project. Pat mentioned in this feature contact us at
If you want to help any of

says: “This group has real promise. They editor@linedancerthe people mentioned in magazine.com and we
On the day, in spite of the heat, most of came 18
th
out of 30 participants and now will pass on your messages and pledges
this feature contact us at
the dancers had dressed in Christmas fancy have a studio so they can put on demos
editor@linedancermagazine.com
dress and for those few hours, they and the and show off their dance skills to everyone
and we will pass on your
children became one as the laughs and the interested.” The other half of the money
singing intermingled with no barriers of any was given to SARDA (South African Riding
messages and pledges
kind to get in the way. For The Disabled) a voluntary non profi t
Christmas in July 2 30/10/08, 12:25:12 pm
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