50 years of care for Ekklesiapark
BLAIRGOWRIE – Ekklesiapark residents celebrated 50 years since the centre's founding in 1968.
The Ekklesiapark Home was founded 50 years ago on 19 October 1968 and a special birthday lunch was planned for all the residents to celebrate the occasion.
Residents packed the dining hall of the centre to enjoy delicious food, cakes and celebratory champagne.
Orpa Van Der Watt is honoured to be Ekklesiapark’s longest-residing resident.
Residents, some who had been there for over 25 years, were treated to stories of years gone by at the home and musical renditions of classic songs by the centre’s staff.
The manager of Ekklesiapark Minda van Niekerk said, “Our residents enjoyed a great festive mood, and many of them enjoyed reminiscing on the past.
The celebration gave our residents a strong feeling of community and togetherness.”
The birthday lunch was one of many events planned to commemorate the special milestone. One event, in particular, commenced with the Autumn Breakfast on 5 May, where former SABC newsreader, Riaan Cruywagen, was invited as a special guest speaker.
Van Niekerk said, “Riaan gave us a nostalgic and interesting reflection on the history of Randburg over the past 50 years, interspersed with humorous snippets from his broadcasting career, which had everyone in stitches.”
Founded in 1968, under the backing of the Dutch Reformed Church, the home is still functioning under Tutela, the service arm of the Church, as part of their services to the elderly and other persons in need of care 50 years later.
To conclude the year’s celebrations, a special dedication and Holy Communion Service is planned on the 4 November at the Randburg-Suid Dutch Reformed Church.
ALSO READ: SPCA visit teaches little ones about the commitment of owning a pet
