IT was a day filled with fun and festivities for more than 100 residents from The Association for the Aged (TAFTA), as they were treated to a Christmas party by the Umhlanga Ski Boat Club (USBC) on Wednesday, November 30.
Graced with the spirit of generosity and in its tenth year running, the annual Christmas party ignites heartwarming memories for the elderly from the John Conradie House.
Organiser and member of the USBC, Rene Pheasant, said the Christmas parties were initially thrown for children until they decided to change it and do it for the elderly instead.
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“All the focus is always on throwing children Christmas parties during this time, but nobody looks after the aged. They haven’t been out to the club for two years because of Covid. I’ve been going there myself but only just dropping off presents and treats. The Umhlanga Ski Boat Club gives us the hall every year, and they are very excited to have come out for this party.
“The reason why I chose TAFTA is because our family used to live just down the road from a TAFTA house, and we used to go help them a lot as kids. Some of the activities they have been doing include dancing, playing Bingo and winning spot prizes. I have very good sponsors, and they help me every year. Friends and family in Joburg who are not even members of the club get involved. It’s just inspiring that even though they’re not involved with the club, they’re willing to help because they know they’re doing it for charity. It’s Christmas time – we just need to be kind to one another,” said Rene.
Anne Fisher, a John Conradie House (TAFTA) resident, said going out to have fun means a lot to her.
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“I haven’t been out in three years due to Covid, and we get bored because we don’t have a life. Being on your own and not interacting with anyone makes you depressed. I’m really happy to be here; I got to dress up and just come out and have fun. I’ve been coming here for six years now, and I missed it so badly during Covid because it’s the only place I go to.
“Everything is beautiful – from the bus ride, just seeing the scenery around us and mixing with other people. It’s not the big things that mean a lot in life; it’s the small things like this that mean a lot. I can go on for the next few months with a smile on my face. Thank you to the donors and whoever was involved in putting this together,” said an emotional Anne.
The Christmas party included a meal, live music and gifts.
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