Donation restores dignity of elderly

LAST year the altruistic women from the non-profit organisation (NPO), the 31 Club, launched their Love Bags initiative in the hopes of restoring some dignity to the lives of Durban’s elderly community.

To kick off the project the women set out to collect and distribute 500 of the bags filled with essential toiletries.

However, Durban North resident, and co-chairwoman, Ann Osborne, was thrilled to announce that they had exceeded their expectations and were able to make 650 donations.

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“We are hugely appreciative of the phenomenal response we received from the community. There is such a dire need and this is something that is often on the wish list of many of our charities,” she said.

“The elderly are often forgotten by society, while many struggle to keep themselves well groomed – something that others take for granted – and this creates a loss of dignity. By providing them with basic toiletries they are able to lift their heads up high and achieve a sense of self worth,” she added.

Donations will be collected, and cash or EFT donations, which will be used to purchase the toiletries, are also welcome.

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Some of the charities that have received Love Bags last year, include The Association for the Aged (TAFTA), the Bill Buchanan Association for the Aged, the The Natal Settlers Memorial Home, the Issy Geshen Lamont Home For the Aged and the Hillcrest Government Hospital.

The 31 Club is a NPO that hosts various events throughout the year to raise funds for numerous charities.

Contact Ann Osborne on 083 289 3112 or theoz@mweb.co.za.

Some of the toiletries that can be donated:
– 250ml petrolium jelly
– Soft toothbrushes
– Toothpaste
– Bath soap
– Talcum powder
– Body lotion
– Facecloths
– Disposable razors
– Shaving cream
– Shampoo
– Tissues
– Biscuits and soft sweets

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