The Flower Foundation honoured its staff members for their dedication and hard work, during the Long Service Awards. The annual ceremony was well received by all who attended the symbolic occasion and awarded with certificates.
The ceremony took place at Elm Park Village on 28 July and was also attended by all staff members belonging to the foundation. A total of 37 staff members received long service certificates for five to 30 years of service. The Elm Park choir began the ceremony with a celebratory song, which set the tone for the rest of the proceedings.
The Flower Foundation CEO Johan Raubenheimer welcomed everyone in attendance during his opening address and took the opportunity to thank each and every staff member for the role they play in the Flower Foundation. He also commended everyone for how lovely they looked.
“Everyday in homes across South Africa and in the whole world, there are special people like you who give of themselves to create a community for our residents. For that, I want to honour you because, without you, it is impossible to create that community spirit. We can try amongst ourselves to do that but you are the ones who facilitate that and make it possible for all residents to live here in their homes,” said Raubenheimer.
He added that the manner in which staff assist and interact with residents in their homes makes them family. Many of the residents don’t have relatives anymore and the entire team becomes their family.
Flower Foundation staff member Douglas Phalane was awarded a certificate for 25 years of service. He has been doing maintenance work at Elm Park and Max Haven for 15 years. Phalane describes his secret to working for the foundation for so many years is treating residents at the home with love, respect and patience.
“I also help residents with whatever they need in cases where there is an emergency. I’m happy that my work is being acknowledged today and would like to thank Matron Marie who is very helpful and a pleasure to work with,” concluded Phalane.
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