Adopt an ouma or oupa at Herfsland to make them special
Donate a box full of goodies to Adopt an Ouma or Oupa to make their Christmas extra special.
An initiative to help and care for the elderly is underway with a campaign called Adopt an Ouma or Oupa.
Glen Marais resident and businesswoman Lydia Swarts (36) started this campaign early last year when she saw the need for interaction at Herfsland in Glen Marais.
“They are old and they need interaction every now and then because they are also human. There are 126 old people in the frail care unit who get very excited about this initiative around this time of the year,” said Swarts.
The Adopt an Ouma or Oupa allows volunteers from the community to interact with these elderly people by visiting them, reading to them, taking care of them in any way they can and even celebrating their birthdays with them. There is no time span for this so it can happen as much and as often as possible.
Last year the campaign managed to collect 130 boxes filled with donated goods. These boxes were given to the elderly at the old age home.
“This year we are looking to receive more donations from members of the community,” continued Swarts.
If you are interested in donating a box, these are the products that should be included: two white body soaps, white body cream, facecloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, roll-on, shampoo, conditioner, Zam-Buk, Vicks, tissues and a chocolate or sweets. Boxes can be taken to matron Petro van Rensburg at Herfsland.
“I would like to thank Petro for all the help she has given us so far. We are currently in need of about 70 boxes by November 3 for our Christmas function that will be hosted at the home on November 10,” said Swarts.
On the day of the Christmas function, there will be a braai hosted for the elderly and some performers to keep them entertained.
Swarts also hosts a tea party once a month at the home.
Unfortunately, the campaign does not accept donations in monetary form but you can buy products and/or food.
“The Christmas function will be open for all who would like to attend and donate towards this campaign. I would like to also thank Annie de Bruyn for helping me with the organising of the events we host,” she said.
If you are interested in donating a box or adopting an ouma or oupa, you can contact Swarts on 082 831 6374 or you Matron Petro on 082 364 6175. You can also deliver the boxes to the old age home.
