St Giles usher in festive celebrations with Idols contestant visit
Community urged to support home as it is experiencing financial constraints.
St Giles Home for the disabled held a blockbuster Christmas party for its residents, who, as part of the evening’s festivities on December 7, welcomed a fan favourite to the Home in De Wetshof near Kensington.
Idols South Africa 2018 top three finalist, Thando Mngomezulu, looked dazzling as she strode in to partake in the merry atmosphere on offer courtesy of the home’s 17 physically handicapped residents, who voted tirelessly each week as Mngomezulu’s musical talent was showcased on screens all over the country for three months leading up to the penultimate week.
The young songstress was unfortunate to be eliminated from the top three with only a week to go before the finale.
This, however, did little to deter their admiration of the former contestant, who was visibly overcome with emotion as the support given to her by the residents throughout her duration in the competition became evident.
“It is really heart-warming,” said Mngomezulu.
“The Idols journey wasn’t easy. The fact that people had time to vote for me and showed this much care is very encouraging and has pushed me to become a better person.”
Dianne Hasapis, social support coordinator at the home expressed appreciation to the former Idols contestant for gracing the event with her presence.
Hasapis also took the opportunity to encourage the community to support the home as it is experiencing a difficult financial situation.
“We want the community to know that the home is struggling. We’ve tried everything but it is especially during this time of the year where it’s really hard to bring in donations,” said Hasapis.
Matron of 14 years at the home Joyce Howard stressed that the financial crises is a critical one.
She said it is as a result of corporate donations that have subsided.
“There are so many other charity organisations like us that need support,” reflected Howard.
“However, we have reached a crisis point and have had to resort to going back to the department of social development to ask for assistance and we are appealing for regular donations.
“The biggest challenge in South Africa at this stage is that there are not sufficient facilities for disabled people. It’s really heartbreaking to realise that there are many other organisations closing for the same reason that we are.
“It is our duty and our responsibility as South Africans but also as human beings to take care of these disabled people. In my profession, it is an oath that we’ve taken.”
Contact the home on 011 615 7681.
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