Subsidy cut cripples St Luke’s

An organisation that houses and cares for the mentally and physically challenged is in desperate need of aid.
This after a heavy blow of a 40% cut in government subsidy this year, according to volunteer and chairman of St Luke’s committee, Bruce Millican.
“We need all the help we can get,” he said, “whether it be financial aid or food and clothes donations.”
“We also welcome volunteers.”
Millican added that fresh fruit and vegetables are one of their main needs.
St Luke’s is home to 26 patients with varying degrees of disability, ranging in age from six to 78 years.
Located in Kearsney, just outside of Stanger, the home has been a haven from the disabled since 1945.
The patients who are able are encouraged to be creative, and in one of the wards they were hard at work creating artistic trinkets and baubles with surprising skill.
The patients also have considerable outdoor space at their disposal for sunny days.
In another ward, patients were less interactive.
“The patients in this room have IQs between one and seven,” said house manager Judie Cropper.
Seemingly unaware of the world around them, these patients are the worst affected by mental disabilities such as cerebral palsy. Yet even within their limitations they seem positive and happy.
Smiles covered the majority of faces, young and old, and they were fondly returned by staff.
There are several drop off points for donations for St Luke’s, namely; Driftwood estate in Zinkwazi, Bell Real Estate in Blythedale Beach; All Saints Anglican Church in Stanger, Stanger Cold Storage, Cheryl D Properties, and Steve Wium and Associates; and in Ballito at 5 Lozie Park, Forgotten Treasures (shop 6) and Home and Décor Centre.
For more information contact Judie on 032-5528074.