Casa Caritas reflects on year of growth, gratitude

Chantel Kriel, the Casa Caritas CEO, described 2025 as an intentional year, challenging but also blessed.

“It is still overwhelming to know that our community cares and hears our pleas,” said Kriel.

Celebrating each resident’s birthday remained an important milestone for the home, recognising the beauty and quality of life they strive to provide.

Kriel highlighted the 2025 Golf Day as a record-breaking achievement.

ALSO READ: Casa Caritas opens its doors for Mandela Day

“We exceeded the amounts raised in previous Golf Days, which was an amazing feeling,” she said.

Several other events also stood out. Mandela Day was a chance to engage with community members previously unfamiliar with Casa Caritas.

Another highlight was a Golf Day hosted by ELB Equipment on December 3, coinciding with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

“We used this to our fullest potential, raising awareness of the different disabilities and highlighting the challenges residents face,” Kriel said.

Children in Casa Caritas’ care also flourished during 2025, with improved nutrition and healthy weight gains for many.

“We have a resident who moved from standard off-the-shelf nappies to adult nappies. It may seem small, but, for her, it represents healthy growth,” Kriel explained.

Even simple joys made a difference.

ALSO READ: Casa Caritas seeks public support for Samantha Gray’s care

“Our residents discovered Cocomelon (children’s YouTube channel. Something this simple brightened the most difficult days for them,” she added.

A standout success story was Samantha Grey.

“Thanks to an article in the Kempton Express, we raised nappies for Samantha for the year, something our Back-a-Buddy page could not achieve,” Kriel said.

The Casa Caritas team grew stronger and more positive throughout the year. Kriel described the staff as “a positive and dynamic group of ladies and two gentlemen”, noting that perseverance and optimism helped them overcome challenges.

One challenge was the lack of staff uniforms.

“It may not sound significant, but being able to dress appropriately for work and maintain a professional appearance is important,” she said.

Winter added further difficulties, as staff had to walk in the dark to reach public transport, facing security risks.

Support from the Edleen and VRP CPFs, including increased patrolling and safety measures, helped them feel more secure.
Keeping families informed remained a priority.

ALSO READ: Casa Caritas holds jumble sale to raise funds

“Transparency is key, and we have prided ourselves on this for many years,” Kriel said.

Celebrating children’s birthdays was particularly valued by parents.

Community support, through initiatives such as the second-hand shop and jumble sales, helped fund smaller but meaningful needs around the home.

Kriel is grateful for every contribution, large and small.

“One person’s or company’s smallest gift may have taken them months to obtain, but it made a difference to us,” she said.

Reflecting on the lessons of 2025, Kriel said, “If you cannot climb over the mountain, there is a path around it. It may take longer, but you will get there with a better perspective.”

Looking ahead, Casa Caritas will focus on health, staff uniforms, timely payment of creditors and providing essential training. Kriel also hopes to raise more awareness about the home in the community.

“We found many people coming to Casa Caritas last year who did not know what we do orare about,” she said.

Despite the challenges of 2025, acts of kindness touched the hearts of residents and staff alike.

“Every single staff member came to work with the best intentions, creating a loving and safe environment for those who cannot care for themselves,” Kriel said.