Vanessa Spassov, the founder of the Dare-To-Care Soup Kitchen, visited Kruinhof Retirement Village to hand over gifts collected for her 60th birthday.
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GCN recently reported that Vanessa hosted her 60th birthday charity drive on July 31, where she collected sanitary items.
The items would later be donated to Kruinhof residents on August 13.
Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro, members of the Klopperpark CPF and guest speaker Jacques Blignaut, The Estate actor, joined Vanessa to celebrate the handover at the retirement village.
“As I officially become a pensioner I realised that these people have built this country and I wanted them to know that they are still important,” said Vanessa.
“They battle to survive on R1 900 grant money they receive per month. During my birthday I asked my guests to create what I called a Pensioners Shoe Box instead of buying me birthday gifts,” she said.
“They filled them with sweets, toiletries and whatever necessities they felt that a pension would need.
“As I am also a CPF member, I asked them to assist with serving and fellowshipping. We served cake, tea and coffee.
“Thereafter, each guest received a box.
“It was a rewarding day for both residents and volunteers.
“Kade also assisted by supplying tables, gazebos and food.
“Some residents were not able to make it to the tea party due to disability or sickness. After the event, we delivered gifts to their houses.
“We are in the process of organising a soup Saturday and hopefully an outdoor chess set.
“Dare-To-Care Soup Kitchen has now adopted Kruinhof Retirement Village and hopes to do a lot more for the residents,” said Vanessa.
Guerreeiro said Klopperpark and Elandsfontein CPF were involved in giving back to the residents of Kruinhof.
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“The tea party was a success and the elderly residents had fun and felt spoiled.
“The highlight of the day was being able to spend time with our senior residents,” he said.
Caitlin Dalgleish (12), soon turning 13, is a youth volunteer who likes cooking, baking and getting involved in animal rescue missions and helping out at Vanessa’s soup kitchen whenever she can.
“Vanessa is an amazing person and she does amazing work in the community.
“The little we do can make a difference in someone’s life,” said Caitlin.
