Community reaches out to elderly Doris
She lives on her pension money which is not nearly enough for the upkeep of her house.
THE Malvern and surrounding community joined hands to assist an eldery woman, Doris Ryan (84), who lived under appalling conditions. Doris has no family and she was never married. She lives on her pension money which is not nearly enough for the upkeep of her house. The circumstances of Doris Ryan’s living conditions were shared by Jeff Verity of the Burra Community group, who received a message from a Metro K9 police officer, Victor Botha.
“Botha attended a house breaking in Malvern and found the old woman whose house was in a very bad condition. Apparently Doris’s house has been broken into a couple of times as her yard is a mess and there is no one who takes care of her garden.
“Victor and myself met at the property and this old woman touched our hearts,and we decided to help her clean up her property and house.
“I got my board supplier to sponsor us wood for her cupboards, paint supplier to sponsor us some paints. The community and companies were touched by this story and decided to lend a hand.
“The first clean-up started on Saturday, 28 November. The project is called “The Doris Project” and Verity has thanked all the people who have assisted so far.
“The Living Clean, cleaning company brought two cleaning staff to help clean up.
“Queensburgh Islamic Society contacted their garden service to do a complete garden clean up at their expense, people have sponsored us with materials, donations that are all going to help repair Doris’s house.
“Blue security stood off by the property to ensure there was security there so we all had a heck of a busy day and there is still lots more to be done.
“All the assistance, sponsors, donations that we can get to help Doris, she is such a sweet old woman, it would be greatly appreciated,”.
Verity said the community has adopted Doris as a granny and they all wished her a lovely Christmas.
Anyone who can assist with repairs, donations or sponsors to make her place more secure for her and more livable, can contact Jeff on 083 519 4110.
