Max Ordman Deaf Association merges with Rand Aid
As with many welfare organisations in South Africa, the home is facing a long-term funding crisis.
The Max Ordman Deaf Association has merged with the Rand Aid Association, a 112-year-old non-profit organisation.
The association was established in 1926 as a welfare organisation for the deaf and also runs the Colonel Rowland Home for the Deaf and Deaf-blind.
This part of the association was established in Bedfordview in 1944. It provides residential and nursing care for the deaf and deaf-blind elderly community. It currently caters for 18 residents.
As with many welfare organisations in South Africa, the home is facing a long-term funding crisis.
“While government subsidies for welfare organisations have remained at pre-1994 levels, the National Lotteries Board last called for funding applications in 2012 and is yet to adjudicate and grant 2012 funding to many welfare organisations,” said Mr Nico Beaurain, the vice-chairman of the Max Ordman Deaf Association.
“Adding to the burden, corporate donations to welfare organisations dealing with the elderly have virtually ceased, as such donations do not contribute to BEE scorecards,” said Mr Beaurain.
According to Mr Beaurain, the residents of the Colonel Rowland Home are not in a financial position to fully fund the organisation.
“It is for these reasons that discussions were started with Rand Aid to explore the possibility of a merger between the two organisations,” he said.
The merger discussions have borne fruit.
At a special general meeting of the members of the Max Ordman Deaf Association, held on May 30, 98 percent of the votes cast were in favour of the merger.
On June 3, the merger agreement was signed by Mr Beaurain and Mr Rae Brown, the chief executive officer of the Rand Aid Association.
“It is the intention that Rand Aid will now manage the Colonel Rowland Home on its present premises, while a new block is built at the Rand Aid’s Thembalami Care Centre,” said Mr Brown.
The building will be purpose-built to house 30 deaf and deaf-blind elderly residents. It is expected that the new home will be ready for occupation in 2016.
“We are excited at the opportunity we have been given to extend our care to more vulnerable members of our community. We hope the Max Ordman Home for the Deaf and Deaf-blind thrives alongside Thembalami,” said Mr Brown.
