Your donation made this possible
God is so good to us. He send angels (community) to help us
Roodepoort — The Record’s “Have a Heart Project” launched two weeks ago – and the response has been phenomenal.
In just more than a week, the Have a Heart Care Centre, situated in Van Wyk Street, Roodepoort was provided with kitchen cupboards, cutlery, crockery, blankets, clothes, two geysers and a fridge.
“I have never been as proud of a community in which I work as I am now,” said Editor Roelien Vorster. “So many people pulled together and made what seemed like an impossible dream come true in just more than one week. People were willing to donate their goods instead of trying to sell them. Everybody is trying to make an extra rand or two in the tough economic times we’re living in, and the fact that they so selflessly donated is truly commendable. Thank you doesn’t always seem enough, but in this case a huge shout-out goes to each and every one who participated and made this project possible.”
Founder of the Have a Heart Care Centre, Marius Oelofse, said he has been inundated with donations flooding in. “We already have more than 30 residents and with the donations, we have been able to give them food, a warm place to sleep and a roof over their heads. My aim is to provide a loving and caring forever home to the senior citizens who have to survive on a state pension of only R1 500. Some of the residents come from horrific circumstances, but this centre can give them some dignity.”
Have a Heart Centre ready for you
Marius said they are still in need of a few things, especially single beds and mattresses, since he is expecting more people to come in. “Although there are a few mattresses, the people still sleep on the floor. I am hoping to give them a bed to be more comfortable. We have also reached out to a few retail grocery stores and although some of them are willing to assist with monthly groceries, we need a freezer before they can come on board permanently. If there is a spare freezer out there, we would be eternally grateful if it could stand in our kitchen.”
He said they would also like a lounge suite, a gas stove to avoid a huge electricity bill, and curtains, cushions and sheets. “The biggest headache right now, however, is getting enough money to pay the first month’s rent and deposit. That amounts to R24 000. Some of the residents moved in before they could pay their first month’s rent, but I didn’t want to turn them away.”
The care centre is hoping to find someone to invest in sponsoring a mini-van. “The residents will have to go to the clinic once a month and right now I only have a small bakkie. It’s impossible to take them all at once.”
Nellie Raaths, the resident nurse and cook, was sponsored to attend a two-week cooking course, for which she will receive a certificate. “I am so excited about the prospect,” she said.
“God is so good to us. He send angels (community) to help us.”
Marius said he still intends to thank everyone personally, and the Record will also acknowledge the companies and individuals for their contributions.
If anyone can assist with any of the necessities listed above, please give Marius a call on 082 952 7151.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
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