With Spring in the air, the oldies at The Elder’s Voice house in Heather Road are eagerly awaiting the first harvest from their grow tunnel. “Illovo Nursery generously donated 30 bags of potting soil, which enabled us to revive an old grow tunnel at the house.
“We also had an anonymous individual sponsor all the required seedlings and members of The CommUnity Project set up the tunnel. We now have garlic, tomatoes, spring onions, beetroot, cabbage, fennel, green peppers, chives and green beans. A massive thank you to those who spent so much time and energy repairing the structure,” said founder Joanne Herbst.
Once the grow rotation is organised by the ‘gardener’ Johan Janssen, the tunnel will feed all the residents in the house and make a huge difference to their monthly food bill. Not to be outdone, house mate Vince du Preez has started his own veggie garden around the side of the house and is already giving Johan a run for his money.
Another success story has recently come from another of the houses. Joanne received numerous calls about an old man standing at the Adams Road robots. “I went to go see him. Gideon Strydom had been sleeping at the police station at night after he was robbed and all his belongings stolen where he was living.
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“I took him to an emergency bed at one of our homes and we gave him new clothes, let him have a warm shower and a plate of food, what a difference it made. He has now become the house’s handyman who is ready to take on any challenge thrown his way and we hope that he has now found a place to call home and healing can take place.
“Thank you to Wim Diesel Fuel and Gas, and Mosaic Funeral Group Amanzimtoti for helping to restore the dignity in yet another oldie. You are the reason he is holding his head up high and I salute you,” said Joanne.
The oldies were treated to a pamper day when teenager Jessica Pitout visited one of the homes to do some community work. “She painted the oldies’ nails. They absolutely loved the company and the pampering and Jessica has already returned for another session. What an example you are to the youth out there.”
Joanne also thanks the CommUnity Project for spoiling the Heather Road residents with lunch on 17 August.
A reminder to the public that you can support The Elder’s Voice by donating or visiting its shop in Commerical Road, next to Wilson’s Appliances in the CBD. Hours are 8am to 4pm on weekdays and 8am to noon on Saturdays. The shop is run by Jackie Taljaard, one of the house residents.
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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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