Centurionites knit for Prinshof home
When temperatures began to drop and Phyllis Robertson residents donned jackets – they hid their iconic colourful shirts. But now they can keep even warmer while showing their colours.
Centurion residents rallied behind a call on social media and colourful handmade beanies and scarves for residents at a home for people with disabilities.
The items were handed over to Phyllis Robertson home on Monday, June 26.
The important facility faced a dilemma in its drive to do normally in a slightly different way when the difference was hidden under winter coats.
When temperatures began to drop as its residents donned jackets – they hid their iconic colourful shirts.
Jady Hewitt, a manager at the facility, said that the colourful clothing and décor help to create a happy environment and serve the functional purpose of identifying residents and staff, but also have a deeper meaning.
CREATE A HAPPY ENVIRONMENT
The colours represent the variety of individuals that live at the home, including all the individuals under its umbrella.
“If you take one colour from the rainbow, it’s no longer a rainbow,” she said.
The home was opened for business in 1947 and has been at its current premises since 1961.
It has 68 residents that it looks after, the oldest is 78 and the youngest just turned 22.
While most costs are covered, the facility does fundraise for maintenance projects.
ICONIC COLOURS
Eldoraigne resident Marinda Welgemoed said she had an idea to knit scarves and beanies in the iconic colours of the home.
“When it comes to winter, the residents at the home wear jackets, covering up the colourful shirts,” said Welgemoed.
She decided that something could be done and initiated a project to create the needed items.
“We put out an ad about the drive and we got a very good response.”
Together with ward 69 councillor Cindy Billson, Centurion residents came together to make the project happen.
“Then it was quick sticks and we had 120 scarves and beanies,” said Welgemoed.
She said that once Madelyn Voster and her mum – who saw the ad on a local community WhatsApp group – got involved, the beanies and scarves were quickly completed with the help of 25 ladies.
The beautiful items all carry the colourful scheme of the home, but are each unique showing the love and care that went into them.
Each volunteer put decorative touches and knitting styles into their work.
Councillor Billson said at the handover that the project shows how residents can reach beyond their boundaries to help others.
She said that the work would not stop there, as the energy would be channelled into covering other needs that the home has.
Following the successful drive, the volunteers were already reaching out for donations of toiletries.
“Something as simple as a toothbrush or a bar of soap can make an immense difference in the lives of those in need,” said Billson. “It’s about providing dignity for all.”
Donations can be dropped off at various locations in Rooihuiskraal, Eldoraigne and Wierdapark.
For more information contact Welgemoed on 082 326 3558.
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