East elderly centre in dire need since funds dried up
“We however took the bull by the horns and expanded our Friday meals to all community members. We thus kindly invite residents to drop by for quality food at affordable prices every Friday. That does not only save people from having to cook on Fridays, but also support our fundraising.”
Kiepersol Retirement Service Centre in Eldoraigne, a non-profitable organisation (NGO), has been serving the retired members of the community for the past 25 years.
Manager and spokesperson, Isabel Nel said they rendered important services to members.
“The centre offers programmes for ageing residents focusing on assisting residents to function on their own in society for as long as possible. Such as social gatherings, exercising, meals, hair- and foot care.
“Being an NGO we have always relied on volunteers and donations to be able to render these services. Due to the impact of Covid-19, our NGO will no longer receive a subsidy. Other sources of income were also reduced.”
Nel said management was informed by another NGO who has always been supporting the centre, that from April the centre would not be subsidised any longer.
“Due to Covid-regulations, all organisations had fewer fundraising projects. Events such as the said NGO’s annual golf day could not proceed for example. Our rental income from our hall for functions and events has also declined drastically.”
Nel said due to their reduction in income the centre unfortunately also had to retrench two staff members at the end of January this year.
“We took the bull by the horns and expanded our Friday meals to all community members. We thus kindly invite residents to drop by for quality food at affordable prices every Friday. That does not only save people from having to cook on Fridays, but also support our fundraising.”
Nel said residents are most welcome to join in the programmes, or just to visit to enjoy some warmth and fellowship.
“The centre offers great opportunities for both men and women who want to be involved in the community.
“On Mondays at 10:00, the centre sells hand-crafted articles and products. On Wednesdays from 10:00 the centre has speakers, singers, or games which residents enjoy a lot,” Nel said.
“We also have books available in large font at a cosy area where residents can sit and have a good read from Mondays to Wednesdays from 09:00. Fresh and frozen food and produce are always available from Mondays to Fridays.”
“May the words of Spencer Kimball inspire residents to open their hearts: ‘As we give, we find that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven and in the end, we learn it was no sacrifice at all’.”
Local ward councillor, Cindy Billson, also requested the community to support the centre “in these difficult times”.
“I believe we all have stuff at home that we don’t use anymore that can be donated to the centre, such as clothes, and other items suitable to be sold at markets.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
