WITH many looking forward to the festive fun as the year draws to a close, the Elder’s Voice is calling on the support of the community to help treat the oldies in its care through the Christmas Box initiative.
“With the looting and the impact of Covid-19, it has been a difficult year. Our Christmas gift boxes are going slow. We have collected nine boxes so far but we need 170. We have had a few pledges from people to make boxes but we are are worried that we not going to reach our target.
“For many of our elders, this would be the only gift that they get because some do not have any family and others are abandoned or neglected. All we want to do is give them a bit of Christmas cheer,” said Elder’s Voice founder Joanne Herbst.
“Toiletries together with a treat or two can go a long way and will make a big difference to our elders whose pension go towards other expenses such as rent. It doesn’t have to be expensive or be in a box either. We have appealed to a few companies for assistance but we have received many unsuccessful emails,” shared Joanne.
This has been an ongoing project since the organisation’s inception.
The team has also embarked on a fundraising initiative to sell personalised Christmas hats where proceeds will go towards the Christmas boxes.
Drop off your box, gifts or donations at Thornhill House on 195 Kenyon Howden Rd, Woodlands. To pledge or deposit R150 towards a box, contact Joanne on 079 028 6379.