More than R53 000 was raised in a single day as the Ballito community rallied to support St Luke’s Home of Healing, a long-standing care facility now facing a critical funding shortfall.

Government departments have confirmed they will no longer fund disabled residents at the home from March 31, leaving the organisation needing to raise about R70 000 a month to continue operating. Without this support, vulnerable residents risk losing essential care.

St Luke’s, near KwaDukuza, has provided housing and holistic care for mentally and physically disabled residents since 1945.

The facility cares for 11 state-aided residents and 13 privately funded residents. The state-aided residents depend entirely on St Luke’s for accommodation, daily care and medical support and most have spent their adult lives at the home.

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In response, members of the Crusaders Motorcycle Club, together with several businesses, hosted a fundraiser at Ballito Village on Sunday.

Organised by Concha and Conchilla co-owner Diogo Barendse, the event featured a bike-wash, live music, food stalls and an auction, drawing strong community support.

“We want to show that we can make a positive impact where it’s needed most,” said Barendse.

Ballito MMA fighter Amanda Lino, who is preparing for her EFC flyweight title defence in June, also took part. She spent hours washing motorcycles and donated all proceeds, initially earmarked for her training, to St Luke’s.

“I knew today was not about me, it was about helping St Luke’s,” she said.

NMI GWM Ballito dealer principal Manny de Silva further boosted the effort with a R10 000 contribution.

St Luke’s Home of Healing chairperson Lisa O’Mant said the support comes at a crucial time.

“I cannot thank everyone enough, this will make a real difference in helping us continue caring for our residents,” she said.

With no alternative government funding in place, the home is now reliant on continued community support to sustain its services.