After noticing the problems plaguing Avondrus Old Age Home in Maraisburg, ICE Community Policing in Florida decided to take matters into their own hands.
The elderly residents in the nine-unit home were struggling to even leave their houses because of all of the overgrown vegetation on the property. Grass, weeds and bushes – some almost up to the roofs of the units – were blocking pathways and gates. Some residents hadn’t seen their back gardens for almost a year.
The elderly women pleaded with the City to clean up their gardens, but their requests fell on deaf ears.
The government-owned old age home was falling into disrepute, so Rodney Churchyard (from ICE) and spent three scorching hot days tackling the overgrown grass, weeds and plants at the home. They arrived bright and early on Wednesday, 5 February, ready to tackle the jungle before them.
They first needed to get all the plants to a manageable length and only then they would be able to neaten up the area with a lawn mower. It looked like extremely hard work; Alexis used different tools and a lot of energy just to try and make a dent in the grass. Slowly but surely, progress was being made, and by Friday, 8 February, one job was done.
While working at the home, the two men noticed another problem. Rust was eating away the palisade fencing and it would have to be replaced soon if nothing is done about it. That is why Rodney is hoping to pull together the resources needed to repaint the fence.
There is still the problem of what will happen the next time the grass needs to be cut, so ICE is hoping to get local businesses to sponsor a gardener once a month to mow the lawns.
For the first time in a while these elderly residents have been able to see their gardens and comfortably walk around outside of their homes. One resident, Jen Schmidt, has been in a wheelchair for seven years, and for the first time in months, she can get to her gate. Their joy and appreciation were incomparable. “It was such a joy to see the Oumas with smiles on their faces,” said Rodney.
City Parks, the City’s Department of Social Development, and its Department of Community Development have all been asked for comment but by the time this update was published, none had been received.
Another update will follow as and when comment is received.
