Walk to help bring light to Jabulani
During load shedding, residents need emergency lights.
DUST off your tekkies and take a 2km cross-country ‘walk in the park’ at Hutchison Park on Sunday, 14 June at 2pm, to raise funds for emergency lights for Jabulani Home for the Aged in Warner Beach.
Operation Jabulani Light was initiated due to load shedding which has impacted on everyone, more so the elderly.
“The idea for the project was born on a social media site, after Neil Fabricius of Green Intentions Garden Service posted that the community had been good to him and he would he like to give back. From that posting, ideas flew and his chosen project was for the elderly living at Jabulani (Kingsburgh Welfare Organisation for the Aged),” said Reena Solomon.
“For these folk, two hours of load shedding is a terrifying experience as many have to sit in the dark, as no candles are allowed for safety reasons.”
For Operation Jabulani Light, Neil organised collection points for rechargeable lights, torches (new or used) and batteries and Reena joined in by organising a ‘walk in the park’
The duo has since joined forces and kickstarted the fundraising drive with assistance from Beth Duncan of Jabulani and Russell Phillips who will be the safety officer on the day.
Jabulani in Sutton Lane has 12 floors with 70 units. “About 120 lights are needed for the units, stairwells and passages.”
Currently 81 residents live there.
“Fortunately, at this stage, although zoned 4, load shedding has been the same as zone 11, so there has not been too much darkness. But residents have to make sure they are either at home or out for that period.
Currently they are either using torches or some have old lamps to get around. Stairwells and corridors are also problem areas as residents have to go into the passage to the bathrooms. Lights in the passage, as well as providing lights during load shedding, are necessary in case of emergency evacuation and when the power is off,” said Beth.
“No resident has been injured during this round of load shedding due to the schedule, however in the previous round of power cuts a few years ago, there was a close call.”
The community is urged to support the event. Entry is free. However, donations of batteries (any size), cash donations to buy lights, new or used (in working order) rechargeable LED lights will be appreciated.
For those unable to join in on the day, drop-off points for donations are Power World and Pumps in the Toti CBD and Pam Golding in Warner Beach.
Take the whole family along, including your dog. However, all dogs must be on a leash and the pet owner should take along a poop scoop. Raffles will also be on the go with prizes to be won.
Alternatively, donations can be deposited in the following bank account: Nedbank; account name: KWOFTA; branch code: 198-765; account number: 205-704-9183. The reference is ‘Lights’. Email proof of payment to reenasol@mweb.co.za
