Rand Aid spreads the love safely

Rand Aid’s staff members made life brighter for residents of the Ron Smith Care Centre by creating WhatsApp communication groups.
The groups allow families of residents of the centre to remain updated of their well-being during the lockdown.
Each of the care centre’s wings is assigned to a group gives families a digital connection to their loved one during a time no visitors are allowed at the centre.
The very appreciative families started sharing photos of themselves with their loved ones.

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One family member messaged: “Many thanks for this thoughtful initiative, we are so grateful for any news of our beloved and desperately missed mom.”
Sister Tando Ncube and Debbie Christen, manager of recreational programmes, were instrumental in starting the group on the Lakeside wing.
“We started the group by sending out our first video slideshow, which had an Everything Grows with Love theme and included a photo of each resident with a loving message for their family,” said Thando and Debbie.

“There was also a photo shared of staff, holding up a message that said: ‘We are devoted to every person in our Lakeside family. Keep safe until we meet again’.”

Many families responded to the initiative with heartwarming messages and gratitude to the centre.
With many of the residents of the centre spending Mothers Day without their families, messages and videos were shared on the group wish beloved moms a happy day.
“We are generating a lot of love and gratitude through the various WhatsApp groups,” said Debbie.
“The groups are a wonderful platform for residents, families and staff to interact on.”