THE Association for The Aged (Tafta) is inviting the public to support their Elder Abuse Awareness campaign as a build-up to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, commemorated annually on June 15. During this campaign, Tafta will embark on an awareness programme that includes reaching out to local communities in public spaces and schools, to educate on and promote the reporting of elder abuse.

Tafta kicked off the campaign with a visit to Clifton School in Morningside, on May 24, where learners are taking the initiative to raise funds for the organisation. The learners are completing chores in their neighbourhoods, and adopting the Purple Hearts Sticker programme, which encourages supporters to purchase Tafta-branded stickers in an effort to encourage solidarity in standing against elder abuse. These stickers, as well as purple clothing, wristbands, and badges, will be worn on June 15 to show support for the cause.

ALSO READ: Spilling the milk and spreading the cheese this World Milk Day

Lauren Klingbiel of Clifton School is heading the awareness programme, and learners at Clifton have already managed to raise R5 000 toward Tafta’s Needy Pensioners’ programme. “Our goal is to raise a minimum of R10 000 to assist Tafta in their efforts of ensuring elders’ rights are upheld. We will also host 50 of their elders at our school for a morning of tea and entertainment, performed by our learners, to show our support and enrich the lives of those who once cared for us,” said Klingbiel.

The next phase in the campaign will see the organisation reaching out to communities by hosting mall activations in various suburbs. During these activations, local shoppers will have the opportunity to learn more about Tafta, impact an elder’s life through a monetary donation, and win prizes through interactive stands. Proceeds raised through these activations will go toward Tafta’s Needy Pensioners Fund, from which money is accessed to facilitate rehabilitation, support, and independence for elders who have been victims of elder abuse.

ALSO READ: Government calls on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week

“From a Social Media perspective, the organisation will be sharing information and resources on how to reach out, access support, and report suspected elder abuse. We hope that through these platforms we are able to access a wider audience and shed light on the harsh reality of instances of neglect, abandonment, and physical, verbal, financial, or sexual abuse inflicted on older persons,” said Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam.

If you would like to join Tafta on its mission to care for and enrich the lives of the elderly, visit www.tafta.org.za or call Tafta’s Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator Kemmy-Leigh Moodley on 031 332 3721.

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za). At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.        Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Berea community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.   PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts. Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.