Turning routine life into something special

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre residents and staff dressed up for their Glitz and Glam happy hour hosted by the staff of River Lodge 3, on March 27.

Preparations began months in advance.

Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes, said they wanted to give everyone the opportunity to come out of the ordinary daily routine of life and to experience the joy, fun and excitement of a dress-up function.

Residents and staff worked on the decorations, practised for their dance routines to entertain the guests, planned their outfits and prepared the menu in the Occupational Therapy Activity (OTA) centre.

“We realised that residents enjoyed planning festivities and looked forward to parties and social gatherings. We wanted to create excitement, anticipation and memories during the event,” said Debbie.

Happy hour dawned on the camp and there was excitement in the air as staff helped their residents dress up for the occasion and borrowed each other jewellery and accessories.

For those who wanted to be extra sparkly on the day, the OTA centre was transformed into a beauty salon for make-up application.

The guests enjoyed a small impromptu fashion parade, as the staff finalists showed off their tailored garments.

The best-dressed woman, man and staff member of the evening, were voted for and the winners cheered and applauded, as they happily accepted their prizes.

Champagne, wine and fruit punc, were the beverages on offer.

Guests also enjoying snack platters consisting of green, red, black grapes, cheddar cheese, cream cheese with sweet chilli sauce, an assortment of crackers, cocktail-sized quiche, sausage rolls and chocolate eclairs.

The evening’s entertainment concluded with the host staff performing some lively dances such as the macarena.

Resident Ria Standing said she appreciated such events because they lifted the residents’ spirits.

“They give us a real boost,” said Ria.