Stand a chance to win a cruise for two on the MSC Orchestra for four days and three nights while helping the elders of Amanzimtoti. The ongoing fundraising efforts of The Elder’s Voice have been bouyed by teaming up with Vitua Call and the generous offer of a balcony cabin for two people for a MSC cruise from Durban to Pomeme in Mozambique.
The cruise departs from Durban on 31 January. To stand a chance to win, simply SMS your name to 31429 or WhatsApp your name to 083-411-3537. SMSes cost only R1.50 and your contribution will go a long way to help the organisation assist the elderly in Toti. For terms and conditions, visit www.eldersvoicekzn.co.za.
Founder Joanne Herbst opened The Elder’s Voice in February 2017 when she realised there was an urgent need to assist the elderly at risk, bring attention to unregistered, unlicensed homes that open with no proper care for the elderly, and stop the physical and emotional abuse. After opening the first house for elders who had nowhere to live or someone to look after them in September that year, the need was so great that the 11th house in Toti was recently opened.
Eight to 11 elders pay a percentage of their SASSA pension towards the rent and upkeep of a privately-owned house. Each house has a house mother or mothers who are entrusted with the cooking, doctor’s appointments and ‘law and order’. At the semi-frail houses, two caregiver nurses are on duty during the day, with one at night, to take care of the oldies’ medical needs. As residents have limited funds, most of their food is sponsored by kind donors. “We thank Pick n Pay Galleria, Take n Pay, Galleria Convenience Centre and Amanzimtoti Lions for their ongoing support,” said Joanne.
READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti’s Elders’ Voice resident writer publishes fourth book
Many of the houses have grow tunnels set up, but a donation of soil and seeds and assistance to set them up would be appreciated. A majority of the 116 residents make arts and crafts, woodwork and pickles, which are sold at Café Amanda, 16 Rockview Road on the last Saturday of the month from 9am to 2pm to bring in extra revenue for the homes.
“Any donations, food, monetary or time, to help our project and organisation thrive and become sustainable will be greatly appreciated. These are humble people and many of them have been dumped on the street by their children. Some of their stories are heart-breaking.
“They live simple lives and are happy to have a bowl of porridge for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and supper is the main meal. They want to be self-sufficient, that is why I leave the running of the houses to the residents and the house mother. We go through a lot of coffee and sugar, especially now in winter, and it would be nice to have cup of soups for the oldies. We always need fresh fruit and veggies.
Every piece of furniture in the 11 homes has been donated. You can feel the love when you walk through the doors, as it all came from a good place.” Joanne said although there is a waiting list of 30 to 40, she will not be opening any more houses. “This is more than I can handle,” she laughed. “Just to co-ordinate hospital visits is a full-time job. I am emotionally invested in each house and every person. You can’t help but be emotionally involved – I know everyone’s story. We are here to help, but a lot of hurt comes to the houses.”
READ ALSO: Joanne of The Elders’ Voice receives Lions’ Citizen of the Year award
One only has to visit any one of the homes to see how much she is loved by her benefactors. “Joanne is my guardian angel and she doesn’t discriminate or is prejudice against anyone,” said resident Leonie van der Watt. “Joanne and The Elder’s Voice is the glue that keeps us all together.”
For a list of what donations are needed, visit the website or the Facebook page: The Elders Voice KZN, call Joanne on 079-028-6379 or email theeldersvoice@gmail.com. To donate, use the following banking details: The Elder’s Voice Pty Ltd, FNB, account number: 62816961743, branch code: 220127, reference your name and cellphone number. Send proof of payment to admin@eldersvoicekzn.co.za.
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