Warm welcome for Elder’s Voice’s new resident
After months of care in hospital, an elderly man who was rescued from heartbreaking conditions was welcomed as a resident into Elder's Voice.
FROM begging at a nearby shopping complex to being welcomed with open arms into a loving home, non-profit organisation (NPO) Elder’s Voice shared a heartwarming update on its newest resident, Dick Venter, affectionately known as “Uncle Dick.”
On August 20, Venter, 72, was found in a desperate state, covered in grime, filled with untreated wounds and begging near a local shopping complex.
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It was after countless cries for help from concerned community members that local NPOs, Elder’s Voice and Hearts of Toti, banded together to uplift the man.
He was cleaned on site and changed into clean clothes, and with the help of Faithmed, was taken to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital.
Jo-Ann Herbst of Elder’s Voice shared good news that after almost three months, Venter has recovered and now has a forever home.
“Three months ago, he was lying on the side of a road, vulnerable, neglected and desperately needing help. Today, he has a place to call home, people around him who care, and an opportunity to rebuild his strength and enjoy the dignity he deserves. His journey is certainly not over. There will be good days, difficult days, recovery and adjustments, but we are hopeful that, with the right care, love and support, Uncle Dick will continue to go from strength to strength,” said Herbst.
She promised Venter that he is no longer just another elderly gentleman on the side of the road, but part of the Elder’s Voice family.
“To everyone who played a part in getting Uncle Dick from that roadside to where he is today, Luyande Meyer, Alta Erasmus, Faithmed, our generous ambulance donor and everyone who helped along the way, thank you. This is why we do what we do,” she concluded.
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