Fathers at Huis Silversig Old Age home in Silverton were given a treat on Thursday, June 13 ahead of Father’s Day.

The Silverton CPF and Weavind Park Action Group (SWAG) showered the gentlemen with love, a renewed sense of belonging as well as goodies, as part of Father’s Day commemoration.

According to the Silverton CPF chairperson Sidney Gordon, the organisations decided to spoil the fathers because every single year Mother’s Day is more celebrated but fathers are hardly celebrated.

Gordon said though the gentlemen are old and some have physical challenges, they needed to be appreciated for being fathers, for raising their children, or leading their families and for the contributions they made in their communities.

He said the inspiration to do this lovely gesture and bestow a sense of belonging to the fathers came last year.

“We realised that there’s a lack of communication between organisations and old age homes, during the SWAG executive meeting one of our members came up with the idea of adopting one elder per member to look after them.”

He said the Adopt an Elder at an Old Age Home was a motivation for them to source funds and prepare for this day, to create memories and just to see the elders smile.

“We have received enthusiastic support from the community, organisation members and some local businesses which donated money to make this day possible.”

He said due to a lack of communication, time and resources, Mother’s Day could not be celebrated with the elders at the old age, however, we have something in the pipeline which will make them happy as well.

Gordon said also God inspired them to bring smiles to these men.

“God has taught us to be patient, to be kind and to love one another. This is our way of showing our love to these lovely gentlemen.

“Some of the fathers here are forgotten, some didn’t have visitors in ages as their children are maybe overseas, but us being here we just want to show them that we care for our senior citizens,” he continued.

The fathers also had a chance to engage with one another, to share their life experiences and journeys as young men as well as unforgettable memories.

Gordon encouraged fathers to speak up about their challenges and further said that Father’s Day is a day of honouring fatherhood and paternal bonds.

Gordon said SWAG is also planning on doing something for senior residents who are still with families in the community.

“We are planning to show them appreciation as well and it is something which we will properly plan.”

He said they will be visiting the old age frequently just to bring smiles to the senior citizens.

SWAG was established two years ago, to fulfil community needs regarding social support, especially to the vulnerable and elderly members of the community as well as to offer safety and security for the broader community.

Anyone interested in joining SWAG can contact Gordon on 083 310 0513.

Also Read: What locals say about Father’s Day

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