Izimangile Foundation hosted a market day for the elderly at the Soweto Old Age Home in Mofolo, Soweto, on July 4.

The outreach aimed to help elderly residents stay warm by donating clothing collected by the foundation’s team and its various partners.

A range of items, including warm clothing and personal care essentials, was distributed, while the elderly were also treated to refreshments.

ALSO READ: Makhubele Foundation marks four years of community impact

Izimangile Foundation founder Mbali Nkosi said the organisation is a community-based initiative that conducts outreach programmes, with a primary focus on supporting elderly people and children in Soweto.

She explained that the drive was inspired by her upbringing, having been raised by her grandmother, which made her aware that older people are often forgotten.

“We are here to host a market day for the elderly. We have collaborated with different partners and challenged ourselves to collect essential items needed at a facility like this, including warm clothing, nappies, and personal care essentials, so that we can donate them.

“The market concept allows the elderly to choose their own clothing, giving them an opportunity to interact, have fun, and brighten their day. We often see in our communities that our grandmothers and grandfathers are forgotten, and this is our way of showing them that we see them, value them, and recognise them,” said Nkosi.

Skills facilitator at the home, Rosina Mokgathi, said that, judging by the residents’ reactions, they were overjoyed by the initiative.

She told Urban News that it seemed Izimangile had recognised a genuine need, as warm clothing was especially important during the winter months.

ALSO READ: Winnie Radebe Foundation shows support to vulnerable learners

She added that several of the elderly residents had expressed how happy they were with the donations.

“We partnered with the foundation because its work aligns with one of our core pillars, which is community focus and ensuring that we care for our community.

“Today, that focus is on our grandmothers and grandfathers. The donations came from our customers and tenants, and we believed they would make a meaningful difference,” said Southgate Mall marketing manager Sbongile Kubeka.