Cluny Farm is filled with smiles

The visit was part of their annual international Red Day charity event where they visit charity organisations with the aim of donating resources and time to them. The company’s agents across the world joined in hosting various events in their areas.

Amanda Velez of KW Explore Johannesburg explained that the initiatives are part of the company’s culture to promote goodwill. “On this day, none of us are allowed to take any work calls,” said Velez, adding that the company’s belief is that they place God first, family second and then business “in that order”.

Velez said the values are so entrenched in their staff that some of them went out in their personal capacities to get companies to donate to Cluny Farm. The staff, all wearing red shirts swarmed Cluny Farm painting walls, distributing food and smiles, sewing new curtains for the residents’ house, donating clothes and shoes, and dancing with Cluny Farm residents.

The farm is home to 54 intellectually disabled adults and was started in 1962. Elise Steyn, the secretary at Cluny Farm, said it means a lot to them and the residents.

“You can just see how much they appreciate it. In a big place like this maintenance doesn’t stop, you do one house and when you get to the end the first house needs attention again,” said Steyn.

Allan Heinemann, a resident at the farm was overjoyed. “I enjoyed myself, this has relieved me and I am not so stressed up anymore. I would like them to come back,” said Heinemann.

Elise Steyn also said people are welcome to get involved with the farm. “There are many ways to get involved. People can do so by helping with maintenance or sponsoring residents to go on holiday or just a day out for their birthday,” said Steyn.

Details: Cluny Farm at 011 702 1410/1305.

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