Outpouring of support for Tafta fire victim

THE Association for the Aged has extended its gratitude to generous Durbanites who came to the rescue of a Tafta John Conradie House resident, whose television set spontaneously combusted on Thursday evening, causing a fire to break out in his room at around 9.30pm.

“We sent out the appeal on Friday, which coincidently was Valentine’s Day, and called on Durbanites to please help us restore the elder’s room and assist him with much needed clothing and flat contents including crockery, a table and television set,” said Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam.

She said by Monday morning, the organisation had R15 000 in the bank towards the cost of replacing the items that were destroyed, as well as donated items that were dropped off at John Conradie House.

“Another generous donor offered to repaint the room and donate much-needed smaller appliances. We are completely overwhelmed and we assure our donors that we will provide feedback on the refurbishment and room renovation project as it is completed,” said Shamam.

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She said as for the elder in question, he remains comfortable in the temporary room he has been moved to.

“While he remains a bit confused with the events of last week, we believe he will be thrilled to return to a room that will be fully restored to conditions even better than prior to this traumatic incident,” Shamam added.

She said she believes this story will resonate even more so when supporters of Tafta learn that it was in fact the same elder they called on Durbanites to help assist with when he was ‘dumped’ at the Pavilion in January 2017 – along with everything he owned in a small suitcase.

“He was confused and could only walk with the aid of a stick. When a kindly passer-by offered him a lift, he asked to be taken to Tafta. We found a place for him at John Conradie House, where he enjoys three good meals a day, help with bathing, dressing and walking, companionship and care. None of this would be possible without ongoing support from donors. Thank you for caring about our elders – and reaching out to ensure they enjoy a life worth living,” Shamam said.

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