Residents of Thembalami and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) were on a high when they took to the skies for the first time in their lives.
Pilot Felix Gosher hosted his annual Elders Flight event.
The Thembalami and MODA residents arrived at Rand Airport in Germiston bright and early.
Also read: Jewel of the East has new shine and vibe
Gosher gave elders the opportunity to fly and to enjoy the day in each others’ company.
Elize Raath of Thembalami Care Centre said elders also enjoyed many other treats, including a champagne breakfast, entertainment by the Trinity House Marimba Choir, Jeppe Boys bagpipers and an aerobatics display by the Flying Lions and aerobatics champion Nigel Hopkins.
The guest of honour was ex-Mirage F1 fighter pilot Arthur Piercy who shared his inspirational story with the elders.
“Arthur is wheelchair bound, following an accident in 1987, when the tail of his Mirage F1CZ was badly damaged in a dogfight with a Cuban pilot,” said Raath.
Also read: Learning more about Modderfontein
Championing the MODA residents on the day was Polly van Aardt, who is also deaf.
A teacher at St Vincent School for the Deaf, van Aardt is a founder of Deaf Volunteers and InnovSight, and is also a committee member of DeaFusion NPC.
Each elder received a blue T-shirt, a cap and a goodie bag.
“Twelve MODA residents, six residents from Thembalami and six members of our Zamokuhle Service Centre went along on the day. They were joined by our matron Paulina Namo, staff member Tina Tufegdzic and social auxiliary worker Makgati Legodi.
“Everyone had a marvelous time and came back in high spirits,” said Raath.
MODA was incorporated into Rand Aid’s Thembalami Care Centre, which looks after vulnerable elders, some years ago.
The MODA residents live in a wing at the Lombardy East care centre.
Also follow us on:
