Modderfontein Golden Oldies Hockey Club has donated six specialised wheelchairs to residents of Casa Caritas, a non-profit residential care home in Terenure for people with physical and mental disabilities who require lifelong support and care.

The wheelchairs were officially handed over on May 16, following months of fundraising, assessments and customisation to ensure each recipient received equipment suited to their individual needs.

According to Brian Duthie of Modderfontein Golden Oldies, the partnership with Casa Caritas began after the club’s late chairman, Shen Reid, learned about the organisation’s needs through a media article.

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“We saw an article in the media and our late chairperson, Shen Reid, went to Casa Caritas to ask what we could assist with,” said Duthie.

“As our focus is on donating wheelchairs, they advised that there were residents whose current wheelchairs required repair or replacement.”

Following discussions between Reid and Casa Caritas management, the club learned that the organisation is fully dependent on donations and sponsorships to operate.

This often makes it difficult to repair or replace essential equipment. The need for wheelchairs aligned directly with the club’s mission of assisting people who require mobility aids but cannot afford them.

Funding for the project was raised primarily through the club’s annual Golf Day fundraiser, held at Kempton Park Golf Club on October 3, 2025.

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“We managed to raise around R40 000,” said Duthie. “With additional donations from other donors, we raised a further R50 000, which allowed us to increase our initial offer of three wheelchairs to six.”

The process was more complex than initially anticipated, as most of the recipients required highly specialised equipment.

“Once the therapist from Mobility Aids had assessed the possible recipients at Casa Caritas, it was proposed that they mostly required specialised wheelchairs,” Duthie explained.

“The standard wheelchairs also required specialised shaped cushions that had to be custom-made, which led to a three-month delay in delivery.”

The club partnered with Mobility Aids in Farrarmere, Benoni, which has assisted with wheelchair donations for more than 25 years.

“Their therapist and wheelchair specialist conduct full evaluations of recipients’ needs,” said Duthie. “They ensure the right solution is provided at the least possible cost.”

Duthie emphasised that continued community support is vital to sustaining the club’s fundraising efforts.
“The easiest way to assist our fundraising efforts is by supporting our annual Golf Day through entering four-balls, sponsoring holes or making donations to the fund,” he said.

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“Community involvement is important because we cannot assist those in desperate need without support. Often, people are unaware of the cost of care these individuals require and the financial burden carried by their families.”

He described the donation as the culmination of a year’s fundraising efforts by club members, sponsors and supporters.

“We wish to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors and supporters for their generosity over the past 25 years. We hope they will continue to support us for years to come,” said Duthie.

Casa Caritas operations officer Natanya Holtzhausen said the donation would have a significant impact on both residents and caregivers.

“These specialised wheelchairs will have a meaningful impact on recipients’ daily lives by improving mobility and comfort, as well as making it easier for care workers to move residents around,” said Holtzhausen.

“For many individuals, the right wheelchair is not just a piece of equipment.”

She explained that many residents face mobility-related challenges, including limited muscle control, poor posture and the need for constant physical support.

“In most cases, appropriate assistive equipment is essential to ensuring their comfort and safety,” she said.

Established in 1973, Casa Caritas accommodates 34 full-time residents and four day-care visitors between the ages of 13 and 48.

Holtzhausen said community support remains essential to the organisation’s continued operation.

“As a private non-profit organisation that does not receive government subsidies, the home relies heavily on donations, sponsorships, fundraising initiatives and public goodwill,” she said.

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“Without community partnership, it would be extremely difficult to sustain the level of care the organisation provides.”

She described the response from residents and their families as one of “deep gratitude, joy and relief”.

“For recipients and their families, receiving a specialised wheelchair represents more than practical support. It is a sign that their needs are seen, understood and responded to,” said Holtzhausen.

Both organisations expressed hope that the partnership will continue in the future, with Modderfontein Golden Oldies committed to assisting more people in need of specialised mobility equipment.

Casa Caritas welcomes financial donations, groceries, toiletries, clothing, linen and other essential supplies.

Community members and businesses interested in supporting the organisation can contact Casa Caritas on 010 593 3827 or 072 107 1989, email ceo@casacaritas.org.za, or visit the facility in Terenure.