Elderly pampered on Spring Day
They were treated to a game of bingo and some music, dance and poetry.
The elderly people from the avenues in Northmead were treated to a wholesome meal and entertainment during a Spring Day event hosted by the Avenues Residents Association (ARA) on September 2 at the NG Church hall.
The organisation hosted around 30 senior citizens who enjoyed a game of bingo and some music, dance and poetry from Izak Davel Entertainment.
The ARA chairperson, Marinda Beukes, stressed the importance of looking after the elderly, saying these are people who often pass away unhappy and lonely.
“In our busy lives, we don’t have time for the elderly. I attended a funeral the other day and there were only a handful of people in attendance. I know it’s not about the numbers but when it’s an elderly person, we tend to say ‘that’s life’.
“As the ARA, we want to show them we love them when they are still alive. We want to love our neighbours,” said Beukes.
She said it’s our responsibility to take better care of senior citizens and children because they are the most vulnerable people in society.
She added the avenues residents decided to come together and love each other after a resident, whom they all thought was happy, committed suicide.
“We realised how lonely he was and then decided that it’s not the way life should be. We created a group to love our neighbours. We now know who is ill, needs a lift and who is in danger.”
The organisation also invited Hannes Beukes from Legal Aid to speak to the guests about the importance of having a will.
He said a will gives you a chance to have a final say on what must happen to your assets and estate.
“It’s of utmost importance. The last thing you want families grieving is to worry and argue about where and what must happen to your assets and estate.
“If you don’t have a will, according to the law anybody can come and claim your stuff while the people closest to you get excluded. A will is your last say as a human being,” he said.
Hannes said a will must be a written document, signed by yourself and witnessed by at least two people, adding that several local attorneys, including Jan L Jordaan Inc and the Legal Aid branch in the CBD, will be participating in the LSSA National Wills Week (September 11 to 15).
The ARA thanked Jan L Jordaan Inc, Flower Fantasy Northmead, Rietpan Butchery, Golden Bowl, Sian Ackerman, Pick ‘n Pay Northmead, Supercops, ER24, Healthworx Northmead and Handy Hardware for sponsoring the event.
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