Food supplies are at a dangerous low, and a desperate plea is going out to businesses, the community and schools to help support the Sponsor a Pensioner programme.

Davies Court has 76 elderly residents. There are 26 residents who receive a twice-weekly nutritional meal. For some, these are the only meals they have during the week. Meals are mostly sponsored through businesses, relatives or churches.

Those fortunate enough to get these meals would go so far as to split a meal over two days due to the generous portions.

The majority of residents rely solely on the SASSA pension, which is around R2 300. Out of this pension, residents must pay rent, consumables, household essentials and shortfalls on medication.

A large portion of the senior community is left vulnerable to food insecurity for most of the month.

“Our residents at Davies Court are in survival mode. I notice residents are getting sick due to poor nutrition. If their nutrition is better, their health gets better,” said Davieshof nurse Genevieve Potgieter.

A contribution of R500 ensures that one elderly resident receives regular, cooked, nutritious meals. The Sponsor a Pensioner initiative is led by Potgieter and Cathrynne Pelser.

The aim is for each resident to receive at least three cooked meals a week. Meals consist of two vegetables, a starch, and a protein. Some of the residents have dietary requirements due to medical conditions.

Donations of non-perishable foods such as rice, maize meal, canned foods, spaghetti, macaroni, long-life milk, and more can make a major impact.

Alternatively, you can donate towards food socks. This is a convenient, nutritious, tasty, and affordable meal-in-a-bag that can feed up to four people.

Davieshof is a non-profit company (NPC) that was formed to help look after the well-being of the residents in the apartments at Davies Court. A Section 18A can be issued for tax purposes.

Donors can feel free to enquire with Potgieter about identified residents who need assistance for the Sponsor a Pensioner programme.

When making these donations, donors can reference the residents’ details and flat number for the R500 sponsorship.

This will ensure the sponsorship goes towards this cause only. For more information, contact nurse Potgieter on 082 771 7674 or Pelser on 071 641 6285.

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