Durban charity for the elderly suffers under lockdown

THE community is urged to help the Aryan Benevolent Home (ABH) charity during the national lockdown.

Naren Pattundeen, interim CEO of the ABH, said the Coronavirus pandemic and the national lockdown marks an unprecedented and challenging time for everyone, especially for charities like the ABH, which continues to provide succour to the aged, frail, physically and mentally challenged, abused women and children during the national lockdown.

“The charity’s priority is to ensure that its residents remain safe and healthy. The ABH takes care of 700 vulnerable people. Our 500 frail and elderly residents have extremely low immune systems and we are trying our best to give them the best possible care. The Covid-19 pandemic has added a financial burden on us as we have to acquire hand sanitisers, disinfectant spray bottles, masks and gloves,” said Naren.

He said it is a challenging time for the home as its financial resources have dwindled as 50 per cent of funding is derived from fundraising initiatives which have now been cancelled.

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“We need funds to provide essential services like transport, food, medical equipment and medicines for our vulnerable residents. We also need funds to pay our staff. It costs our charity millions to operate on an annual basis and we humbly appeal to the community and to businesses to please help our residents. We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone but we hope that you will help our residents. Every donation is appreciated,” he said.

The ABH is a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) therefore donations are tax deductible.

The ABH will issue Section 18A Certificates for donations for submission with your tax return.

ABH’s banking details are: First National Bank, Account Name: ABH Fundraising, Account No: 508 300 223 44, Branch Code: 250655, Branch: Chatsworth, Reference: COV Name and your phone number

Contact Vanessa at email: vanessa@abh.co.za, 031 404 9523 or 061 477 7208.

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