Ry-Ma-In celebrates

There was a celebratory air at Ry-Ma-In Self Centre for Quadriplegics in Linden during the month of February as the home reached a special milestone in its 37 years of existence.

Its longest living resident, Elsie Fouché turned 60 on 21 February. She is the first resident of the home to achieve this. In 1979 at the time of her life-altering accident, quadriplegics were only expected to live 10 – 20 years after being confined to a wheelchair.

“Im really happy to have a home here at Ry-Ma-In where I can live independently. The main thing is to say thanks to God and all the people that have been helping to look after us for so many years,” Fouché humbly explained about living at the home for more than half of her life.

“It is such a great thing to live with a person like Elsie who faces life full-on every day,” added another resident and friend of Fouché, Hercie Blaauw.

“It is really uplifting to see that someone in a wheelchair takes life for what it is and does not feel sorry for herself.”

Fouché is somewhat of a celebrated persona in art circles. She is a member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painters and creates intricate and colourful pieces by holding the paintbrush in her mouth.

“It gives me so much satisfaction to be able to paint,” said Fouché, “with every painting done it boosts my creativity and thanks to the Association of Mouth and Foot Painters for providing me with a bursary to pursue my love.”

Fouché’s paintings will be on display at the Ry-Ma-In Fête to be held on 31 May at the Linden home. The money raised from the fête is used for the day to day running costs of the centre as the residents run the place themselves.

They appeal to the public to donate second hand clothing, household items and books for their weekly sales to help in fundraising.

Details: Ry-Ma-In Self-Help Centre 011 888 3335. NPO #- 045-002, Standard Bank, Branch Code- 006-305, Account Number- 200 556 703.