TAFTA residents were again blessed by the outpouring of love and support from the Durban community in 2017 who enabled us to host three-course festive meals for a total of 1 800 elders at 22 Tafta residences, clubs and wellness centres in and around Durban.
The sumptuous meals, prepared by Tafta’s own Cook ‘n Care catering facility, were a treat for many of the Tafta elders who are seldom treated to restaurant quality meals.
The pièce de résistance, to end off the 2017 year, was the kind and generous sponsorship of hand-crafted patisserie cakes from Chateau Gateaux to ring in the New Year at all Tafta residences.
Marketing manager for Chateau Gateaux, Anna Kelly. said Chateau Gateaux was delighted to spread some love by sponsoring desserts over the festive season and look forward to another year working with the Tafta family in 2018.
“The generous support we receive from the Durban community each year is truly astounding. Most of our aged would never be able to afford a meal like the one provided. Apart from the cost, the logistics involved in purchasing groceries, and cooking the meal make this simple tradition a real challenge, especially for our frail and ill elders.”
Tafta CEO Femada Shamam explained: “Many don’t have family nearby, or else have no family to share a Christmas meal with, so turning our homes into a place of warmth, filled with festive cheer, is really important for us at this time of year.”
Ethny Zweers (78) has spent most of her Christmases at Tafta since becoming a Tafta resident in 2010.
The mother of three and grandmother of four says her family are a huge part of her everyday life and reach out to her constantly with treats and calls, but are unfortunately not locally based to visit with her too and the Christmas period would have been a lot lonelier were it not for the Tafta community.
“I don’t have much close family left in Durban and I’m the last surviving sibling, so I’m quite accustomed to spending my Christmases here with friends. It means the world to me to have the opportunity to come together with others for the Christmas meal and it’s always such a good meal and nice event. It may not be family, but it is as close as can be and we really do appreciate the effort made,” said Zweers.
Apart from festive meals, Tafta residents were also the recipients of Cheerboxes from various Durban corporates and foundations such as the Masonic Services, who once again blessed the elders at John Dunn House, John Conradie House, Langeler Towers, Tafta Lodge and St. Martin’s Village with hampers for the festive season.
Zweers, a recent recipient of a Christmas Cheer box from the Robin Hood Foundation who visited the Tafta home this Christmas, said she was amazed at how kind-hearted people are.
“I received such an amazing gift from them – far more than I ever anticipated and it really does make one feel so grateful that there are people who want to reach out to others at this time.”
So, from the Tafta family to yours, thank you for making Christmas 2017 a special occasion in our homes. We hope your Christmas was equally special and that the year ahead even more so.
Tafta
Durban
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
