Pensioners Friend Alberton South to benefit pensioners

Errol and Sharon-Ann Theron from the Pensioners Friend Alberton South invite residents of the South to be part of their non-profit community-based organisation for pensioners by pensioners.

It is the Theron couple’s mission to be the voice of the pensioners.

The Pensioners Friend Booklet is a free monthly booklet for all senior citizens to help them find specific information about facilities and benefits available to them.

They believe the helpful information they disseminate can make a big difference in the lives of the many pensioners who reside in Alberton and surrounding areas, especially those who are new to the area.

“We do what we do because we love helping our fellow pensioners,” they said.

Pensioners Friend Alberton South

Errol and Sharon-Ann want to empower and entertain pensioners and this is why they started the Pensioners Friend, a non-profit community-based organisation for pensioners by pensioners.

They previously lived in the area before relocating to Amanzimtoti in 2008, but due to circumstances moved back to Brackendowns in June last year. The Facebook pages Pensioners Friend and Pensioners Friend Monthly Booklet Group help other pensioners find specific information about the facilities and benefits available to them.

The booklet in Amanzimtoti and the Natal South Coast, published for the past three years, has reached 35 issues and is continuing to grow.

They have now introduced a similar booklet for Johannesburg South pensioners available in print form, or electronically, to read, download or print from their website at www.pensionersfriend.com, cellphone or Facebook pages.

The booklet is a community project specifically for senior citizens filled with interesting reading pieces to suit any mood and interest and includes special offers for pensioners, stories, interesting facts, jokes and games.
Booklets are printed and distributed to local outlets free of charge for all pensioners.

“Our booklet is easy to read on mobile devices or PCs and the sight-impaired can listen online,” said Sharon-Ann.

“It has always been our passion to create something all pensioners can enjoy and be able to assist seniors in need of advice.

“You know what, there is no cure for loneliness. We found that many pensioners are lonely and feel left behind and even hopeless sometimes, but that is why we try our best to give them hope and listen to their stories.
“There is always hope and there is someone out there who cares. You are not alone.”

Sharon-Ann is a trained cancer caregiver and counsellor and has completed many courses in the health industry.

“I offer counselling over the phone, so this is much more than just a booklet. It is about helping and reaching out to our fellow senior citizens. And, let me tell you, we see miracles daily. We have met so many generous people who have almost become part of the family,” said Sharon-Ann.

Sponsors welcome

It is difficult to survive on a Sassa grant, so this is why the couple always strives to search for bargains and specials for pensioners.

They, however, can’t do this without the help and support of the community.

“We are looking for businesses who have compassion for the elderly to join and assist us with this venture.”

Errol and Sharon-Ann do this work with a lot of love. Their dream is to have a colour laser printer to print the booklets or someone who can help with the printing of the booklets as this is very expensive.

“We use inkjet printers, but we could do so much more if we had a colour laser printer, which we can’t afford,” Errol explained.

Donations of paper and ink are always welcome.

If any community members have interesting articles or tips they would like to share with others, send them to errolandsharon@gmail.com

To advertise your business or for more information about the booklet or how to donate, contact Sharon-Ann on 083 312 5360.