AFTER seven years of working and lobbying to get the project off the ground, the Bill Buchanan Association for the Aged in Morningside has finally opened its frail care wing.

The non-profit organisation unveiled the newly-fitted 10-bed accommodation on Friday, marking a new era for the organisation. Dudley Fortune, CEO of Bill Buchanan Association for the Aged, said, “We realised a while ago that residents were moving out from Bill Buchanan because we did not have the frail care facilities that they required in their old age. So we developed this wing to cater for those needs, this way they do not have to leave their friends and home after many years of living here.”

Fortune said the idea of C-Wing has been in his head for “at least seven years”. “Over the years, there were a few stumbling blocks and I couldn’t make headway in getting the wing up and running, until one day when I decided that this was it. The second floor was empty and there was no stopping me, and here we are,” added Fortune.

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His excitement was shared by the association’s executive committee chairperson, Anthony van As, who extended the organisation’s gratitude towards the Victor Daitz Foundation and their major donor for funding the project. “This transformation would not have been possible without the foundation – your support has made a tangible difference in the lives of our residents,” said Van As.

He added, “I would also extend our heartfelt thanks to one of our residents for his generous contribution. It is through such kindness and commitment that we can continue to improve our facilities and ensure a dignified living environment for our residents as we face ongoing financial challenges.”

David Simpson, managing trustee at the Victor Daitz Foundation, said they are committed to assisting the association, with their relationship spanning over 20 years. “We will gladly support any organisation that does good things in society and impacts the needy in the province. They have to be managed properly and their management be beyond reproach, which is what we have here with Bill Buchanan and why they qualify as one of our beneficiaries,” said Simpson.

Among those who are reaping the rewards of the fruitful partnership is Robin Goatley, a resident and executive member of the home. Goatley has lived at Bill Buchanan for over 20 years and was entrusted with assisting with the project and liaising with the contractors about the renovation. “There really was an urgent need for frail care and financing was a problem,” said Goatley. “I became personally involved when I was asked to oversee the day-to-day work being done here. I worked close with the contractors and other stakeholders involved with the project. It has turned out well,” said Goatley.

Fortune said the facility is already receiving enquiries for space and that they will be vetting all applications received.

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