THE first Issy Geshen corporate breakfast was held at the Pavilion Hotel in Durban on Friday, 22 July to thank those who have been instrumental in making the old age home in Lamontville what it is today.
Established over 56 years ago, the home provides love and care for 68 residents whose average age is 77. Occupancy is nearly always 100%, and there is frequently a waiting list. The challenge is simple – 68% of monthly expenses are covered by a government subsidy and the residents’ pensions, which means the home has to raise the monthly shortfall of 32% from the private sector.
“To meet this challenge we have employed a full-time fundraiser and are now seeing the benefit of that decision,” explained Guy Levene, the home’s chairman of 26 years.
After the chairman’s speech, a DVD was shown which showcased the home’s residents and what they have contributed to their families and communities over the years. “It is so sad that society tends to forget those who have invested in their children and grandchildren and laid foundations for others to succeed. They should be respected and cared for in their twilight years,” continued Mr Levene.
Before breakfast, the guests were treated to a performance by the Issy Geshen choir, the 2015 winners of the inter-home choir festival which was conceived and is managed by the home’s staff. This year the festival will see 19 old age homes compete.
The highlight of the breakfast was the address by keynote speaker, Sanele Dlamini, provisional manager for the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Mr Dlamini spoke about the NLC’s revised structure and the fact that the decentralisation of the head office has allowed the provisional managers to focus on the specific needs of their area. According to Mr Dlamini, the managers are now more in touch with what is happening on the ground and are, in turn, in a better position to provide support where the greatest needs are.
Mr Dlamini announced that the NLC would continue its support for the Issy Geshen Lamont Home for the Aged because it not only addressed the needs of the poorest of the poor, it also satisfied all the administration and compliance requirements while also showing a potential for growth.
The Issy Geshen choir concluded the successful networking event, giving thanks and celebrating the Issy Geshen old age home, the cornerstone of the Lamontville community.
For more information please visit www.issygeshen.co.za or email fundraiser, Derick Houston at derick@issygeshen.co.za.
