Project Eeufees launches drive to provide 90 warm packs for elderly residents
Friends of Eeufees is calling on the public to help ensure all residents receive practical support during winter.
Friends of Eeufees are appealing for donations of blankets, groceries, and toiletries to provide 90 elderly residents with practical support, while broader infrastructure problems at the village continue to be addressed.
A community-led donation drive has been launched to provide every resident at Eeufees Old Age Village in Westdene with a warm pack containing winter essentials, food, and basic toiletries. The initiative forms part of project Eeufees, which has been working to improve conditions at the city-owned retirement village while advocating for long-term repairs and maintenance.
Bronwyn Smith said the campaign was inspired by the difficult conditions many elderly residents continue to face, particularly following recent cold weather and damaging winds. Smith said the latest community audit highlighted deteriorating living conditions, while recent storms caused further damage to rooves and gutters, worsening leaks and damp conditions inside several units.
Rather than focusing on cash donations, they are encouraging residents to donate practical items that can be distributed directly to those in need. Suggested donations include blankets, warm socks, scarves, gloves, beanies, toiletries, and non-perishable food, such as soup, oats, tea, coffee, biscuits, and canned goods. The campaign aims to assemble 90 packs, matching the number of residents currently living at Eeufees. Smith said the goal is to ensure every resident receives assistance rather than having to prioritise some residents over others.
Eeufees is a municipally owned retirement village managed by the City of Johannesburg’s department of human settlements, and provides subsidised accommodation for elderly residents living on limited incomes. Smith said the village has experienced longstanding infrastructure problems, including leaking rooves, water damage, poor lighting, flooding, mould, and security concerns. She stressed that while community volunteers have undertaken practical interventions wherever possible, major structural repairs remain the responsibility of the relevant authorities.
The donation drive has already attracted support from residents, volunteers, local businesses, and members of the wider Westdene and Melville communities. Monetary donations are also being accepted to assist with the purchase of essential items.
Also read: Audit lifts lid on unsafe conditions facing Eeufees Oord Retirement Village
Although no closing date has been set, Smith encouraged donations as soon as possible, so residents can receive assistance during the coldest part of winter. She hopes the initiative not only provides immediate relief, but also strengthens long-term community support for the elderly residents who call Eeufees home.
Donations can be delivered to 72 3rd Avenue, Westdene, or collection can be arranged by contacting Bronwyn on 083 293 3975 or Brian on 074 113 8738.
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