Outreach for the Aged continuing to serve the elderly despite tough economic circumstances
NPO which runs a feeding scheme at Donovan MacDonald is calling on the community's support for its December 5 golf day.
A pillar for the aged is celebrating lives lived and helping to promote a deserved dignity.
Unofficially operating since 2014, Outreach for the Aged (OftA) became a fully registered non-profit organisation (NPO) in 2019. Born out of an inquiry about the hall at Donovan MacDonald Retirement Home, Fatima and Nadiem Solomon have grown OftA into an anchor that serves the residents of the government retirement home and a stanchion of trusted care for elderly people across Roodepoort.
The caring couple took on the task of transforming the hall from a space of rotting potential into a beacon of hope for the frail and fragile. Not only does the OftA team run a weekly feeding programme for residents, they help with routine medical check-ups, cleaning and bedside care, as well as collaborating with a social worker when the time for frail care arises.
As with any NPO that survives on a shoestring budget and the grace of donors, the last 18 months have created many financial obstacles. To alleviate the strain, OftA will be hosting a golf day on December 5 in celebration of Maraisburg’s most active senior. Covid-19 surviving 94-year-old Goolam ‘Tommy’ Richards is a permanent fixture at CMR Golf Club, still carding leader board worthy scores to this day.
OftA is calling on businesses and golf lovers from across Roodepoort and Johannesburg to throw their weight behind this special event. All proceeds will go to the care of the elderly at Donovan MacDonald and surrounding facilities, and will feature an elegant post prize-giving dinner. “We have seen the plight of the aged and it is so sad that people do not recognise the need to look after the elderly,” said Fatima.
CMR Golf Club is 107 years old making Tommy nearly as old as his second home. “He is a symbol of what your life can be if you look after yourself,” said Nadiem.
OftA has been a pillar for the community’s elderly and to assist them to continue their selfless work, support their golf day by contacting Nadiem on 082 373 9483 or emailing nadiem@sooffah.com or outreach4theaged@gmail.com.
