Boksburg Society for the Aged board re-elected for another term
The current board of the Boksburg Society for the Aged was re-elected for the 2017/2018 term at the society's AGM, held at Cosmos Old Age Home, on Wednesday, last week.
John Jerling is chairperson, Charles Saville vice chairperson and Braam Marais treasurer. They will be supported by six board members.
The Society for the Aged administers Cosmos Old Age Home, Cosmos Retirement Village, Strelitzia Service Centre, Disa House, House Edelweiss and an outreach project in Villa Liza.
In his chairman’s report, Jerling indicated that some of the services offered by Boksburg Society for the Aged served fewer people over the past financial year, but said these remain vital services and every effort will be made to extend them to more of the elderly community.
This includes increasing membership at Strelitzia Service Centre in order to ensure sustainability of the vital services offered here.
These include clinic services, a Meals on Wheels scheme and various social activities and outings for the elderly.
“The second-hand shop at Strelitzia is doing very well and continues to contribute to fund-raising on a monthly basis.
“We encourage the public to continue donating to and supporting the shop,” Jerling said.
At Cosmos Old Age Home, a total of 157 staff cared for 344 frail-care patients during the 2016/2017 financial year and the home continued to render 24-hour nursing care, medical and social work services to its residents.
“The 31 units at the Cosmos Retirement Village are functioning well. Two units were resold during this financial year. We have eight residents at Disa House and six residents at House Edelweiss,” Jerling reported.
“The Villa Liza outreach project supports around 60 elderly with meals on a weekly basis. Most of these elderly live in informal settlements and our luncheon club initiative has been very well received in this community.”
In terms of community support, a fund-raiser initiated by the Dead Men Riding motorbike club brought in R28 000 for the Boksburg Society for the Aged, the Boksburg Lions Club continues to sponsor the Meals on Wheels scheme and support is also ongoing from the Boksburg Lake Rotary Club.
“We are always grateful for community support and would like to thank all individuals and organisations which contributed to the care of the aged over the past financial year,” said Jerling.
“While we faced challenges in the past financial year, I am confident we are heading into a positive and strong year ahead.”
