Two hundred blankets were donated to two separate old age homes in Rand West City as part of a Winter Drive Campaign for senior citizens. Hulumeni Lifestyle Club did the handover on Tuesday, June 16.

Kabelo Mokotla, representative of Hulumeni said part of the winter drive was to celebrate June 16, which was also his and his late father, Popo Mokotla’s birthday, to whom he dedicated the drive.

Donating these blankets was something we did from the heart. While we were celebrating the youth on the day, we thought it was very important to show young people that our elderly people shouldn’t be neglected, but actually deserved to be taken care of too,” Mokotla said.

It was also an opportunity to show the youth that in these difficult times, it was important to give to those who are in need.

Manager of Mohlakeng Old Age Home, Monica Tekwane, who praised Hulumeni for the gesture, said it was good to see that seniors weren’t forgotten as they usually feel sidelined.

“We are truly grateful for what they have done for us, especially because many of the elderly who live here, do not have families. Some are brought here by the police, Social Development and hospitals, and others by community members.

“There are certain things that we cannot do as the centre, so we are thankful for what the Hulumeni people have done for us; may God bless them, and we wish that they could carry on with this to benefit others too. Let us not be the only ones benefiting from their hearts, but others as well,” Tekwane said.

Pauline Mokae, founder of Wheatlands Old Age Home whose residents also received their 100 blankets said, “This will help our residents to keep warm this winter; we are grateful to them for keeping us in their hearts.

Randfontein Police and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs members also formed part of the handover.