Residents of Vita Nova Centre, a non-profit organisation, were spoiled with Santa shoeboxes on Friday.
Natalie Colby, an ex-Springs resident, accompanied by some of her colleagues and clients were present when each resident received their shoebox gift.
One of the residents, Warren Reeve (49), says it is a happy moment and that he cannot wait to open his gift. “I want to see what is inside the shoebox,” he says.
The idea was born when Natalie recently visited Springs.
This ex-Springs Girls’ High School learner went to church with her family where Michelle Immelman, the Vita Nova Centre manager, was giving a presentation on the purpose of the centre.
“Hearing Michelle talk made me realise how much we have to be grateful for,” Natalie says.
She started thinking of ideas on how to assist the centre that is home to 108 residents with cerebral palsy and HIV/AIDS.
Putting her thoughts into action she soon commandeered her colleagues and clients who were all eager to jump on board.
“The response was overwhelming and one of our clients donated 30 Santa shoeboxes filled with gifts and treats,” she says.
Santa shoeboxes were not the only treat for the residents as Natalie decided to spoil them with freshly baked cupcakes as well.
Michelle is excited to see the response of the residents. “This is a huge blessing as we cannot afford Christmas parties for the residents,” Michelle says.
The Vita Nova residents are aged between three and 69 years of age and most of them do not have parents or family members to take care of them. The centre has to provide residents with nappies, clothing, toiletries and bedding.
There are several hostels that cater for the different age groups and provide the necessary care 24 hours per day.
Michelle says there are a wide range of activities undertaken with the emphasis on speech, mobility, toilet training, hygiene and behaviour.
Each hostel has its own house mother or father to ensure a high degree of supervision. “All residents are under constant supervision by dedicated staff,” says Michelle.
Due to the residents’ health they need regular physiotherapy and muscle stimulation and a therapist space was created in the stimulation centre.
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