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They are full of spirit and joy.
These are the elderly, vulnerable beneficiaries of the Germiston branch of the South African Red Cross Society’s project in the Goodhope informal settlement.
The project, run under the name of the Goodhope Day Care Centre for the Elderly, looks after 52 of the most vulnerable elderly citizens in the Goodhope community.
The Germiston branch of the SA Red Cross Society has been in operation since 1950 and its main projects relate to disaster relief, training and community projects.
The Red Cross has been involved in the Goodhope community for many years and, in 2006, an assessment was made of the needs of the elderly in the community.
The society then began working towards a recognised project and started the Goodhope Day Care Centre for the Elderly with no funding.
In 2009 the department of social development gave the Red Cross funding for 30 people (food assistance only).
“However, since 2009, the need in the community has grown so much and we are now catering for 52 people,” said Barbara Jensen, manager of the Germiston branch of the South African Red Cross Society.
“We now need funding to assist the balance of the people, as well as for our operational costs to do the project.
“The costs involve overheads, petrol and salaries, to name a few.”
The society does not only provide the elderly citizens with food on a regular basis,staff conduct various activities with them, including beading, exercises, sewing projects (where they come to the Red Cross offices once a week), a choir and “gogo’s football”.
They also get to go on various outings and have already visited the zoo and the Rand Water Board, among others.
When one of the elderly members of the group is sick, Red Cross staff also assist them by helping them to get to the doctor (if possible), and they visit them at home and give them lots of tender loving care.
“Local company WK Wilton Inc is of great assistance to us in terms of monetary contributions on a monthly basis and with treating the elderly to special events, either at home or taking them on outings,” said Jensen.
“Without them we would find it incredibly hard to feed all 52 people, as we have funding only for 30.”
Jensen added that the elderly beneficiaries are encouraged to get involved with Red Cross projects and to come forward and offer their assistance.
One of the beneficiaries, Monica Mbatha, told the GCN on Wednesday that she is very happy because of the Red Cross’s help.
“No one looked after us before the Red Cross,” she said.
Priscilla Dilhemo echoed Mbatha’s sentiments and said that the elderly in Goodhope are very grateful for the assistance they receive.
Another beneficiary, Fixon Mahlakoane, said: “It makes us happy inside and our lives a little easier.
“The regular visits and activities help to keep our minds fresh and we thank the Red Cross for this.”
To help the Germiston branch of the SA Red Cross Society with this project, or to offer any other assistance to the society, contact Jensen on 011 873-9009, or email her at redcross@mweb.co.za
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