Forest Farm thanks Sandton community for support

Forest Farm residential care facility for adults living with cerebral palsy or special needs executive director Peter Lombard extends holiday well wishes all the way from Cape Town, where he is based.

Lombard reflected on some of the highlights from the year, and memories crafted by residents at the centre in Sandton and members of the surrounding community.

Since the home’s Valentines Dance in February, Forest Farm has also participated in the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Games, in collaboration with Special Olympics SA, an Easter egg hunt, men’s day, voting day, entrepreneurs’ day, a ladies’ tea event, Spring Day celebrations, and a family braai.

Also read: Forest Farm is looking for a registered nurse

The care facility also enjoyed a buddy day, sponsored by the Northcliff Lions, and a sports day in Parkmore, sponsored by Sandton Rotary and Special Olympics SA.

The year-long festivities culminated in the home’s thrift store opening at a recently held fun day.

Lombard extended special notes of thanks to all the learners from various schools who did community service at Forest Farm, as well as all the church volunteers who came to conduct services for residents.

Also read: Meet Forest Farm’s oldest volunteer, Val White

“All these events have had a significant impact in terms of bringing fun and connection for our residents. We particularly appreciate the sponsored outings and community members visiting Forest Farm Centre,” said Lombard. “This meant that the residents got to interact with an array of people. We are social beings. Therefore, we need to connect with other human beings.”

Lombard also said that the centre would be using 2025 to raise awareness around services they offer, to drive awareness around orphaned adults, to promote the thrift store, and to better position the centre as a brand.

“Cerebral Palsy and special needs requires the voice of media to drive awareness and to raise the need to understand that it’s, indeed, okay to be different. We are all unique and special,” said Lombard. “We look forward to more interaction with the Sandton community through social events that will be scheduled during 2025.

“The Forest Farm Centre committee, our residents, and staff would like to take this opportunity to say thank you, and Happy Holidays,” said Lombard. “All the best wishes for 2025. Having the Sandton Chronicle being a supportive media partner assisted us in promoting Forest Farm Centre on many fronts.”

Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.

Related article: Forest Farm Centre opening shop for Sandton thrifters