Doing good for the elderly

With continuously rising prices and the bad economy, the cost of living has become extremely high, with pensioners and the unemployed being affected most.

According to social psychologist, Dr Florence Roberts, who volunteers at the Klein Helderkruin Retirement Centre in Wilro Park, their elderly pensioner residents can no longer afford the basic necessities of life.

Food prices have soared and with the economy at its worst, raising money to provide assistance has become very difficult. Many old age homes have lost their funding and the need to find a sustainable food solution became critical for the Centre when various donors withdrew their funding which had provided the residents with two meals per week in the past.

Fortunately for these residents, the establishment of a Food Garden was prioritised. With the help of Lionel Cohen from the Roodepoort office of Dorcas Aid SA, Dr Roberts herself, Ward 85 councillor, Sonja Meyer, and Annette Malan, a resident of the Centre, the food garden was successfully established last month.

It is said that the garden is growing in beautifully and providing much joy to the residents. It is just one way to improve the lives of the residents, as it will not only provide fresh fruit and vegetables, but will also save them money and improve their mental health.

“Gardening and working with one’s hands in the soil is very therapeutic. Nurturing the growth of young plants to provide food and the knowledge that what they’re doing contributes to the well-being of others is very rewarding and lifts their spirits. In addition, the garden presents opportunities for being neighbourly and creates a hub for community engagement. Many residents experience loneliness and feel isolated. But, by watering and weeding in the garden, they get to meet their neighbours and share their stories while developing a healthy hobby,” said Dr Roberts.

“Dorcas Aid SA works to restore dignity, self-worth and pride among the poor, destitute and marginalised members of our communities. We do this irrespective of race, religion, gender or political conviction, by encouraging self-reliance, providing social aid and assisting in emergency situations. We touch the lives of the untouchables, the hopeless and the invisible that live on the margins of society, with love and empathy” said Lionel Cohen from Dorcas Aid SA.

Tannie Annette Malan, a resident of the Centre, had the following to say: “When I switch on the sprinklers in the morning, I say a prayer to our Father, thanking Him for making this project possible. The plants are growing so well that we will be able to start harvesting the crop within a month. Klein Helderkruin’s resident are so grateful for our beautiful garden, and cannot thank those who have contributed to it enough”.

Dorcas Aid SA relies on the community and businesses for funding. The community is urged to get involved and support these projects by donating to the organisation. Its banking details are:

Account holder: Dorcas Aid SA

Bank: Standard Bank

Branch: Florida

Type of account: Current

Account number: 200645234